Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) Info & FAQ

VAC stands for Valve Anti-Cheat.

Most Counter-Strike 1.6 and Source servers are VAC secured, or secured by some other anti-cheat system. If you get VAC banned, it means you can't play on VAC secured servers and your Steam account will be restricted. You can recognize a VAC server by the little "shield" in the server list. Example:



You can filter VAC servers by choosing "Not secure" in Anti-cheat.

If caught by VAC, it can take months before you get banned. This is called a delayed ban. Steam uses delayed bans, to make it more difficult to know if a hack is secure or not. VAC Proof means that a file is not detected by VAC - but this is difficult to be certain about.

How to stay unbanned

Please note that the developers do not allow cheats or hacks on VAC secured servers. The best way to stay unbanned, is not to use any cheats or hacks at all! There might also be a risk using hacks on servers that are not VAC secured.

Almost all public cheats and hacks will be detected and get you banned.

Hacks can be detected at the release!
This is because VAC uses a CRC32 detection system. CRC32 is a unique code that are placed in all program files. What is also does, is to look at all modules and hooks on your client, and if it recognize a string of code used in hacks, you will get banned. Some people try to change the CRC32 with a HEX editor.



If you wants to be 100% secure, there is only one way - don't use any cheats, hacks or 3rd party programs that interfere with Steam or the game. This is the only way to be 100% safe.

Note if you get banned

If you get banned, and buy another copy of the game and install it on your banned account, you will still be banned. You have to make a new Steam account and install/activate your game there instead.
Also note that VAC bans are permanent, and cannot be removed by Steam Support.


Read more from the official Steam support
- Valve Anti-Cheat System (VAC)
- I've been banned

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