VAC bans are final, non-negotiable, and cannot be lifted by Steam Support.
If you are mistakenly subject to a VAC ban, it will be lifted automatically. If you would like to discuss the VAC system with the Steam community, you can do so.
FAQ:
What is VAC?
VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) is an automated system created to detect cheats on user computers. If a user connects to a VAC protected server from a computer that has recognized cheats installed, they will be VAC banned and will no longer be able to play that game on VAC protected servers.
The VAC system reliably detects cheating programs based on their signatures. Any third-party changes to the game made by the user to gain an advantage over others are classified as cheating or hacking and will result in a ban by the VAC system. These changes include the replacement of executable files and dynamic link libraries.
Administrators of a particular server can block a specific player, but they cannot block a cheater using the VAC system.
The following actions Not lead to blocking by the VAC system:
- Using chat programs similar to X-Fire or Overwolf
- Hardware Configuration
- Updating system drivers such as video card drivers
How can I avoid VAC ban?
To avoid the possibility of your account being blocked, use only trusted computers to play on servers protected by the VAC system. If you cannot tell for sure whether any cheats are installed on the computer you are using, refrain from playing on secure servers.
Be vigilant when installing any modifications, such as scripts or custom skins. Only download user-generated content from trusted sources. Hackers can maliciously disguise their cheats as modifications to get other users banned.
For more information about protecting your account, see Account Security Best Practices.
Additional information about Valve's guidelines can be found in the Steam Subscriber Agreement.
If I am VAC banned, what does this mean for my account?
For detailed information on how a VAC ban affects your account, please refer to the article.
How do I notify Valve about a new cheat?
If you have information about new cheat programs, especially private ones (not available on public websites), and can provide links to them or the executable files themselves, please send an email with all the information to:
All letters will be reviewed by the staff responsible for developing the VAC.
How to report a cheater?
If you think that there was a cheater in the game with you, please report it to us and follow the instructions in the article.
Note: The VAC system does not block users based solely on complaints. Other factors are also taken into account when deciding whether to block a user.
What games are VAC protected?
A list of VAC-protected games can be found in the Steam store at the following link.
If I'm blocked, can I play on unprotected servers?
Yes, if the game provides such an opportunity.
Some VAC-protected games allow the existence of servers that are not protected by VAC. Blocked users can still play on unprotected servers of the game in which they were blocked for cheating. Please keep in mind that not all games have unsecured servers.
Will I be harmed if someone I share my game library with cheats?
What is the difference between a server ban and a VAC ban?
A VAC ban makes it impossible to play on all protected servers on Steam, while server admins can ban someone on their servers, but this is not as serious as in the case of VAC. Valve cannot prevent bans on user servers. The server owner has the right to block any player for any reason.
If you find yourself banned from a large group of community servers, it is likely that you were banned by a third party system such as Steambans or Punkbuster. These third-party systems are used by multiple servers and share a common database of banned players. These systems are not associated with Steam in any way, and we cannot help you with issues related to them.
You will only be VAC blocked if you connect to a VAC-protected server from a computer with cheat programs installed.
4.12 2017
Is it scary that the cheat you are using is already known to VAC in CS GO? Would you like to check when the last time an anti-cheat update took place in CS GO? Then we will tell you everything that is available to a simple player to check the situation. How to find out when the VAK was updated, and what to do (or not do) after that - this is discussed in the material.
Why is VAC constantly updated?
New cheats appear every day, because Valve manages to track the old ones and start banning them. The next anti-cheat update is a sign that many “old” software are already known to the developers. And if they are used without the appropriate update, it will ultimately lead, if not to a VAC ban, then to a patrol for sure.
VAC anti-cheat updates occur quite regularly and are often linked to other game updates. And it is important not to miss this moment by using cheating programs. Of course, your cheat may not be there. But it's better not to take risks.
How to find out when the VAC anti-cheat in CS GO was last updated
Unfortunately, it is impossible to see the exact date of updating the Higher Attestation Commission in CS GO. The developers try not to give such information to potential violators (cheaters) and hide it as much as possible. Therefore, you will have to focus on updating the game itself.
To see exactly when CS GO was last updated (this means even the smallest updates), you need to:
- Go to the website https://steamdb.info/app/730;
- Find the line Last Record Update;
- Check the timing of the latest update.
Of course, this does not guarantee that with this update CS GO anti-cheat VAC was improved. But most often this is exactly what happens - there are too many cheats, which the developers add to the defense with the help of the system and patrol. Therefore, updates are regular, and it’s still not worth risking your account again.
What to do if VAC is updated
The first thing you need to do is immediately turn off all active cheats if you are planning to play for a while. Of course, the probability of an update is not 100%, but it’s not worth the risk. It’s better to die a little more often than to wait for the ban to end (if it’s not permanent).
Next, go to where the auxiliary software was downloaded from and check for the availability of updates for it. In this regard, paid cheating programs are more reliable - the developers take care of clients and send anti-cheat fixes on time.
Is there a risk of still getting banned in CS GO?
Yes, the likelihood of getting caught in cheating programs is quite high. Even if the latest software fix is used, and the game itself takes place on unprotected servers. The patrol never sleeps. There is a chance that your demo with cheats will be caught in their analysis. And “helpers” that are too fawn will be immediately declassified, and their owner will be subject to sanctions.
Did you use the cheat? Do you need to know when the last vacancy update in CS GO took place? In this article we will look at all the available ways to do this. Also, what needs to be done after updating it.
Why is anti-cheat updated?
Cheaters don't sleep. Today there is an incredible amount of auxiliary codes. Some people start getting banned, new ones come to replace them, and the circle doesn’t stop.
Updates occur when various cheats become known among the majority of users and are actively used. They happen quite often and if you use additional programs that are prohibited, you need to not miss updates, otherwise you will be VAC banned. Your code may not be included in the prohibited code, but it is better to make sure that it is not involved.
Where to find the VAC CS GO update
How to check where? The most current requests. Nobody knows the exact dates. They cannot be viewed on any website, in public, much less bought. There are “entrepreneurs” who sell non-existent information - don’t believe it and don’t give anyone money for it.
The developers are very careful that information of this kind is confidential, and the average person does not have any access to it. After all, in this case there will be no point. You need to follow the updates that happen in the game itself, most often new VAKs are attached to them.
You can keep track of the smallest changes in CS:GO:
- When you visit the site, look for a column called “Last Record Update”.
- All the dates when new things happened are displayed there.
There are a huge number of illegal cheats that are included in the protection; carefully monitor all available information if you do not want to lose your account forever.
VAC has been updated, what to do?
To avoid being among the violators, deactivate all enabled cheats; do not put yourself at risk. Your high advantage over others may expose you.
If you use software, check it for updates. Free ones most likely do not change, but paid ones are most often modified to bypass anti-cheat.
Probability of getting banned in CS GO?
No one can guarantee a high percentage of security; in general, cheats are a very risky business, and the patrol is always watching and ready to use its “force.” There is no need to activate too fawn “helpers”. It’s much easier to see them; you will have to wait until the account is unbanned
