Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Will Require Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 Enabled on PC

Activision’s announcement regarding the PC requirements for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has sent ripples through the gaming community. The upcoming installment will mandate that players have both Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 enabled on their systems. This marks a significant shift in the hardware landscape for PC gaming, prompting discussions about security, performance, and accessibility. Our detailed analysis will dissect these requirements, explore their implications, and provide guidance for gamers navigating these changes.

Understanding Secure Boot and TPM 2.0: A Deep Dive

To fully grasp the impact of Activision’s decision, it’s crucial to understand what Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are and how they function.

Secure Boot: Ensuring System Integrity

Secure Boot is a security standard developed by members of the PC industry to help ensure that a device boots using only software that is trusted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). When a PC starts, the firmware checks the signature of each piece of boot software, including UEFI firmware drivers, EFI applications, and the operating system. If the signatures are valid, the PC boots, and the firmware gives control to the operating system.

• The Boot Process: Secure Boot operates in the pre-boot environment, before the operating system loads. This is critical because malware can often target the boot process to compromise the entire system.
• Digital Signatures: The core of Secure Boot relies on digital signatures. Each boot component is signed by a trusted authority, typically the OEM. These signatures are stored in the UEFI firmware.
• Preventing Malware: By verifying these signatures, Secure Boot prevents unauthorized code from executing during the boot process. This helps protect against bootkits and rootkits that can be extremely difficult to detect and remove once they’ve infected a system.
• UEFI Integration: Secure Boot is a feature of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), which has largely replaced the older BIOS standard. UEFI provides a more modern and secure environment for booting a PC.

TPM 2.0: Hardware-Based Security

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is a dedicated hardware chip designed to provide hardware-based security functions. It’s essentially a secure cryptoprocessor that can perform cryptographic operations and store sensitive data, such as encryption keys, securely.

• Hardware Security: Unlike software-based security measures, TPM 2.0 offers a physical layer of protection. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to tamper with or bypass security mechanisms.
• Cryptographic Operations: TPM 2.0 can perform various cryptographic operations, including generating, storing, and using encryption keys. This is essential for securing data and verifying the integrity of the system.
• Key Storage: One of the primary functions of TPM 2.0 is to securely store encryption keys. These keys are used for various security features, such as disk encryption and user authentication.
• Platform Integrity: TPM 2.0 can also measure and report the integrity of the platform. This means it can verify that the system’s hardware and software components haven’t been tampered with.
• Windows Integration: TPM 2.0 is tightly integrated with Windows operating systems, supporting features like BitLocker drive encryption and Windows Hello biometric authentication.

Why These Requirements for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7?

Activision’s decision to mandate Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 is primarily driven by the need to combat cheating and enhance the overall security of the game. These technologies make it significantly harder for cheaters to inject malicious code or tamper with game files.

Combating Cheating

Cheating has become a pervasive problem in online multiplayer games, undermining fair play and diminishing the enjoyment of legitimate players. Call of Duty, being one of the most popular franchises, is a frequent target for cheaters.

• Preventing Modification of Game Files: Secure Boot helps prevent cheaters from modifying game files or injecting unauthorized code. By ensuring that only trusted software can run during the boot process, it makes it much harder for cheaters to tamper with the game’s code.
• Hardware-Based Authentication: TPM 2.0 provides a hardware-based root of trust, making it more difficult for cheaters to bypass security measures. It can be used to verify the integrity of the game client and prevent unauthorized modifications.
• Blocking Cheat Engines: Cheat engines often rely on modifying system memory or injecting code into the game process. Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 make these techniques much more difficult to execute, as they restrict access to system resources and prevent unauthorized code execution.
• Reduced Ban Evasion: By tying the game to specific hardware configurations, Activision can make it harder for cheaters to evade bans. If a cheater is banned, they will need to spoof or replace their hardware to continue playing, which is a more complex and costly process.

Enhancing Security

Beyond combating cheating, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 also contribute to the overall security of the game and the player’s system.

• Protecting Against Malware: As mentioned earlier, Secure Boot helps protect against bootkits and rootkits that can compromise the entire system. This is particularly important in the context of online gaming, where players are often exposed to various online threats.
• Securing Game Assets: TPM 2.0 can be used to protect sensitive game assets, such as encryption keys and digital rights management (DRM) data. This helps prevent piracy and unauthorized distribution of the game.
• Data Protection: By securing encryption keys and other sensitive data, TPM 2.0 can help protect players’ personal information and game-related data.

Checking Your System: Is Your PC Ready for Black Ops 7?

Before the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, it’s essential to check whether your PC meets the Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 requirements. Here’s how to do it:

Checking Secure Boot Status

1. System Information:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type msinfo32 and press Enter to open the System Information window.
   • Look for “Secure Boot State” in the right pane. If it says “Enabled,” Secure Boot is enabled. If it says “Disabled” or “Unsupported,” you’ll need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. UEFI Settings:
   • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. The key to enter BIOS/UEFI varies depending on the motherboard manufacturer (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc).
   • Look for the “Boot” or “Security” section.
   • Find the “Secure Boot” option and ensure it’s enabled.
   • Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Checking TPM 2.0 Status

1. TPM Management Console:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type tpm.msc and press Enter to open the TPM Management console.
   • If TPM is enabled and ready for use, you’ll see the message “TPM is ready for use” under “TPM Information.”
   • If TPM is not detected, you’ll see a message indicating that “Compatible TPM cannot be found.”
2. Device Manager:
   • Press Windows Key + X and select “Device Manager.”
   • Expand the “Security devices” category.
   • You should see “Trusted Platform Module 2.0” listed. If it’s not there, your system may not have a TPM, or it may be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. BIOS/UEFI Settings:
   • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
   • Look for the “Security” or “Advanced” section.
   • Find the “TPM” or “Trusted Platform Module” option and ensure it’s enabled.
   • Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your system doesn’t have Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 enabled, you’ll need to enable them in your BIOS/UEFI settings. The exact steps may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, but here’s a general guide:

Enabling Secure Boot

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings:
   • Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. Navigate to Boot/Security Section:
   • Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Boot” or “Security” section.
3. Enable Secure Boot:
   • Look for the “Secure Boot” option and change its status to “Enabled.”
   • You may need to set the “Boot Mode” to “UEFI” if it’s currently set to “Legacy.”
4. Save Changes and Exit:
   • Press the appropriate key (usually F10) to save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart.

Enabling TPM 2.0

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings:
   • Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. Navigate to Security/Advanced Section:
   • Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Security” or “Advanced” section.
3. Enable TPM:
   • Look for the “TPM,” “Trusted Platform Module,” or “PTT (Platform Trust Technology)” option.
   • Change its status to “Enabled.”
   • If you see options like “TPM State,” ensure it’s set to “Enabled.”
4. Save Changes and Exit:
   • Press the appropriate key to save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

• Compatibility: Ensure that your hardware is compatible with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Older systems may not support these features.
• CSM/Legacy Boot: Disabling CSM (Compatibility Support Module) or Legacy Boot is often required to enable Secure Boot. This may affect your ability to boot from older operating systems or devices.
• BIOS/UEFI Updates: Make sure your BIOS/UEFI firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve compatibility and security.
• Windows Installation: For TPM 2.0 to function correctly, you may need to have a clean installation of Windows.

The Impact on PC Gamers: Pros and Cons

The decision to require Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has both advantages and disadvantages for PC gamers.

Pros

• Reduced Cheating: The primary benefit is a reduction in cheating, leading to a fairer and more enjoyable gaming experience for legitimate players.
• Enhanced Security: These technologies provide a layer of security that protects against malware and unauthorized access to the system.
• Improved Game Integrity: By preventing modification of game files, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 ensure that players are experiencing the game as intended.

Cons

• Hardware Requirements: Some gamers may need to upgrade their hardware to meet the requirements, which can be costly.
• Compatibility Issues: Older systems may not be compatible with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, preventing some players from enjoying the game.
• Technical Complexity: Enabling these features can be technically challenging for some users, requiring them to navigate BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Privacy Concerns: Some users have raised concerns about the potential for these technologies to be used for surveillance or data collection.

Activision’s Stance and Future Implications

Activision’s move to require Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 may set a precedent for other game developers. As cheating becomes more sophisticated, it’s likely that more games will adopt similar security measures. This could lead to a broader adoption of these technologies in the PC gaming space, ultimately improving the overall security and integrity of the gaming ecosystem.

Gaming News will continue to monitor these developments and provide comprehensive coverage of the evolving landscape of PC gaming security. Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analysis.