Script kiddies are low-level hackers who use pre-made exploits to disrupt FiveM servers. Unlike skilled hackers, they don’t write their own code; instead, they rely on tools created by others to gain unfair advantages, cause chaos, or crash servers. These individuals can ruin the player experience, making effective anti-cheat measures essential for server administrators.
Why Script Kiddies Are a Problem
- Game-Breaking Exploits: They use cheats like aimbots, wallhacks, and money injectors to disrupt gameplay.
- Server Instability: Some exploits can crash or overload the server, leading to frequent downtimes.
- Economy and Balance Issues: In roleplay servers, script kiddies can generate unlimited money, vehicles, or weapons, damaging the game’s economy.
- Frustrated Players: Honest players may leave your server due to rampant cheating, reducing your player base.
To protect your FiveM server, you need a robust anti-cheat system that can detect and block these troublemakers efficiently.
How to Detect Script Kiddies on FiveM
Detecting script kiddies requires a combination of automated anti-cheat tools, fivem anticheat, and player reports. Here’s how you can identify suspicious behavior:
1. Unusual Player Behavior
Some red flags indicate the presence of a script kiddie:
- Instant Wealth: A player suddenly gaining millions of in-game currency.
- Teleportation: Moving instantly across the map without a legitimate reason.
- Unrealistic Speed: Vehicles moving abnormally fast or players running at unnatural speeds.
- Invulnerability: Players who take no damage despite being shot or attacked.
- Unregistered Actions: Executing commands that are not part of the server’s standard gameplay mechanics.
2. Monitoring Server Logs
Your FiveM server logs contain valuable information about player actions. Look for:
- Mass Money Spawning: Large, sudden transactions that indicate money exploits.
- Weapon or Vehicle Spawning: A player constantly spawning rare or high-value items.
- Repeated Crashes or Lag Spikes: Some hacks attempt to crash the server, leading to patterns in the logs.
- Unusual Command Executions: Unexpected console commands being used by unauthorized players.
3. Using Anti-Cheat Detection Tools
FiveM allows you to integrate anti-cheat plugins that monitor and detect common exploits. Some of the most effective ones:
- FiveM’s Native Anti-Cheat: While basic, it can detect common hacks.
- Custom Lua Script Detectors: Scripts that monitor unusual client behavior and flag potential cheaters.
- Event Handlers: Detect abnormal event triggers, such as money or vehicle spawns beyond set limits.
- Memory Scanners: Identify players running cheat tools by checking for memory modifications.
4. Watching Player Reports
Encouraging players to report suspicious behavior can be an effective way to catch script kiddies. Set up:
- A Reporting System: Allow players to report cheaters via Discord, a website, or an in-game command.
- Moderators to Review Reports: Have active staff members who can quickly verify and act on reports.
- Video Evidence Requirements: Encourage players to submit clips or screenshots to support their claims.
How to Block Script Kiddies Using AntiCheat on FiveM
Once you detect script kiddies, blocking them is the next step. This involves automatic bans, real-time monitoring, and preventive measures.
1. Using Advanced Anti-Cheat Plugins
Several FiveM anti-cheat solutions can detect and block script kiddies:
- EasyAdmin: Provides built-in detection and manual banning capabilities.
- Badger-AntiCheat: Detects speed hacks, god mode, teleportation, and other exploits.
- vRP & ESX AntiCheat Extensions: Customizable anti-cheat scripts for roleplay frameworks.
- Custom Server-Side Scripts: Write your own Lua scripts to detect and punish unusual behavior.
2. Implementing Ban Lists
To keep script kiddies off your server permanently:
- IP Banning: Prevents the user from reconnecting using the same network.
- Hardware ID (HWID) Bans: Blocks a specific computer from accessing the server.
- Global Ban Lists: Some communities share databases of known cheaters to auto-ban them across multiple servers.
3. Restricting Server Access
Make your server harder to exploit by controlling who can join:
- Whitelist System: Only allow verified players to join.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Require players to verify themselves before logging in.
- Discord-Based Verification: Force players to link their Discord accounts for added security.
4. Implementing Rate Limits and Server Security
Prevent script kiddies from spamming exploits by setting limits:
- Transaction Limits: Cap the amount of money a player can transfer within a short time.
- Spawn Restrictions: Set cooldowns on spawning vehicles, weapons, or items.
- Anti-Spam Measures: Limit how many times a command can be used per second.
5. Regularly Updating Anti-Cheat Measures
Script kiddies constantly look for new ways to exploit servers. Keep your anti-cheat measures updated:
- Patch Known Exploits: Regularly check and update your scripts to close security gaps.
- Monitor Anti-Cheat Logs: Look for new types of exploits and adjust detection rules accordingly.
- Use Community Feedback: Engage with other server admins to learn about new threats.
6. Running Server-Side Validation
Instead of relying on client-side checks, enforce security on the server:
- Server-Side Health & Damage Verification: Prevent god mode by ensuring players take damage correctly.
- Server-Controlled Economy: Block client-side money injections by keeping all transactions server-validated.
- Position Verification: Detect teleportation by validating player movement server-side.
7. Encouraging a Fair Play Community
Beyond technical solutions, a strong community can discourage cheating:
- Strict Rules Against Cheating: Make it clear that using exploits leads to permanent bans.
- Active Moderation Team: Keep staff members available to respond to incidents.
- Reward Fair Play: Recognize and reward legitimate players who report cheaters.
Conclusion
Script kiddies pose a serious threat to fivem anticheat, but with the right detection and blocking strategies, you can maintain a fair and secure gaming environment. By using automated anti-cheat tools, monitoring server logs, implementing strict bans, and fostering a strong community, you can significantly reduce the impact of script kiddies on your server. Stay proactive, update your security measures regularly, and work with other server admins to keep FiveM free from cheaters.
