Black Ops 7 uses RICOCHET Anti-Cheat, a layered Call of Duty security system that combines PC hardware checks, a kernel-level driver, server-side analysis, behavioral detection, account security, and enforcement tools.
On PC, BO7 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Season 4 also expanded remote attestation, which verifies those security settings through Microsoft’s trusted servers before providing full playlist access.
What Is RICOCHET Anti-Cheat?
RICOCHET is not one standalone program that simply scans for known cheats. It uses several client-side and server-side systems to detect unauthorized software, manipulated hardware, automated inputs, and gameplay patterns that exceed normal human behavior.
The official RICOCHET overview confirms that the system combines server tools with a PC kernel-level driver.
| Protection Layer | What It Does |
|---|---|
| TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot | Verify that the PC starts from a trusted state |
| Remote Attestation | Validates security information through Microsoft servers |
| Kernel-Level Driver | Monitors software interacting with protected Call of Duty titles |
| Behavioral Detection | Reviews aim, movement, reaction, and match-level patterns |
| Server-Side Analysis | Detects suspicious activity across matches and accounts |
| Mitigations and Enforcement | Disrupts confirmed cheaters and applies account penalties |
The existing Black Ops 7 game hub keeps the main game, progression, and service categories together.
Key Features of the BO7 Anti-Cheat
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot Requirements
Black Ops 7 requires PC players to enable both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. These settings strengthen the security foundation, but they do not detect every cheat on their own.
Secure Boot confirms that trusted software loads during startup. Meanwhile, TPM 2.0 helps verify system integrity and supports remote attestation.
Console players do not configure these PC settings. However, they still benefit from RICOCHET’s server-side protections and cross-play enforcement.
Microsoft Azure Remote Attestation
Remote attestation checks important security information through Microsoft Azure rather than trusting only a local report from the player’s PC. This makes it harder for a modified system to falsely claim that it meets the requirements.
As of Season 4, players who fail attestation enter a separate matchmaking pool with limited playlist access. In BO7, that pool currently includes Nuketown 24/7 rather than the complete Multiplayer selection.
A party may also receive the warning when one member’s PC fails the check. Therefore, each PC player in the party should confirm compliance.
The Season 4 RICOCHET upgrade timeline covers the rollout of attestation and input-device enforcement in more detail.
PC Kernel-Level Driver
The RICOCHET kernel-level driver starts when you launch a protected Call of Duty title and turns off when you close it. It monitors software that interacts with the game rather than running continuously after the game ends.
The driver works alongside server systems. A clean startup check does not disable the rest of the protection for the entire session.
Machine Learning and Behavioral Detection
RICOCHET’s behavioral models examine more than a single killcam or unusually accurate shot. They can review patterns involving:
- Aim movement and reaction time
- Kills, deaths, damage, and engagement locations
- Movement routes and aiming angles
- Ping and latency anomalies
- Team-level and map-activity data
- Input timing and repeated automated behavior
Strong performance alone does not prove cheating. Instead, the system compares several signals and investigates patterns that do not match plausible human play.
Players reviewing their normal combat performance can use How To Check Your Black Ops 7 Stats to find Elim/D, Win/Loss, Score Per Minute, weapon use, and recent-match information.
Cronus Zen, XIM Matrix, and Modified Inputs
RICOCHET also targets unauthorized scripted input devices, including Cronus Zen and XIM Matrix when players use them to create unfair gameplay advantages.
Current detection focuses on how inputs behave during a match, not simply the name of a connected device. This helps identify repeated recoil scripts, automated movement, or input patterns that exceed expected human behavior.
Warnings and temporary bans can escalate when players continue using prohibited scripts or modified inputs.
In-Game Mitigations and Enforcement
RICOCHET does more than issue permanent bans. Call of Duty has documented mitigations such as Disarm, Cloaking, and Damage Shield, which can restrict a verified cheater while the system collects information.
Activision can also apply:
- Warnings
- Temporary suspensions
- Limited matchmaking
- Ranked Play restrictions
- Progression or reward removal
- Permanent account suspensions
Limited matchmaking for a suspected account violation is different from failed attestation. Failed attestation concerns PC security compliance, while limited matchmaking can follow suspected policy violations.
Failed Attestation vs Limited Matchmaking
| Status | Main Cause | Possible Result |
|---|---|---|
| Failed Attestation | TPM, Secure Boot, firmware, UEFI, or validation problem | Separate pool and reduced playlist access |
| Limited Matchmaking | Suspected enforcement-policy violation | Lobbies with similarly restricted accounts |
| Ranked Restriction | Suspected or confirmed competitive violation | Ranked access, SR, or rewards may be restricted |
| Suspension | Confirmed account enforcement | Temporary or permanent loss of access |
A failed attestation message does not automatically mean that Activision caught the player cheating. Hardware, firmware, Windows, or BIOS configuration can also cause the check to fail.
How to Check TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
Check TPM 2.0
- Press Windows Key + R.
- Enter
tpm.msc. - Confirm that the status says the TPM is ready.
- Check that the specification version is 2.0.
Check Secure Boot
- Press Windows Key + R.
- Enter
msinfo32. - Confirm that BIOS Mode shows UEFI.
- Confirm that Secure Boot State shows On.
You can also use Activision’s PC security support to download the Secure Attestation Wizard. It identifies TPM, Secure Boot, GPT, UEFI, Windows, and firmware problems.
Do not make unfamiliar BIOS changes without checking the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s instructions. Incorrect firmware changes can prevent the computer from starting.
Account Security and Legitimate Progression
Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly check linked platform accounts. The account owner remains responsible for violations even when another person accessed the account.
Avoid memory editors, unlock tools, modified game files, or services that require unauthorized software. Activision’s enforcement policy treats manipulating game memory or data to obtain camos, items, stats, or loadouts as cheating.
Players following the intended mastery requirements can use the Black Ops 7 Dark Matter Guide to understand the legitimate challenge paths.
The existing MitchCactus destination remains available for players browsing wider BO7 categories and supported services.
What to Do After an Incorrect Penalty
An account penalty and a failed security check require different responses.
For failed attestation, run the Secure Attestation Wizard, update Windows, and follow the motherboard manufacturer’s TPM, Secure Boot, or BIOS instructions.
For an account suspension, use Activision’s official penalty appeal process. Secure the account, review linked platforms, and include accurate account details. Creating another account to evade an active penalty can lead to further enforcement.
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How Effective Is RICOCHET?
No anti-cheat system removes every cheat permanently. RICOCHET continues to update as cheat software, modified hardware, and scripted inputs change.
However, the system now uses more layers than the original article described: remote attestation, kernel monitoring, behavioral models, server analysis, input-pattern detection, mitigations, and account enforcement.
Season 4 data also showed that nearly two-thirds of players temporarily banned for scripted input devices returned without using the prohibited scripts again.
Final Thoughts
Black Ops 7 protects matches through multiple RICOCHET layers rather than one startup scan. TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, Microsoft Azure attestation, the PC kernel driver, behavioral models, input detection, and server analysis all serve different roles.
The system is not perfect, but understanding each layer makes troubleshooting easier. Treat a failed attestation warning as a PC compliance problem, while account restrictions and bans follow Activision’s separate enforcement process.
Black Ops 7 Anti-Cheat FAQs
Does Black Ops 7 require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?
Yes. Both settings are required for BO7 and Warzone on PC.
What does Failed Attestation Status mean?
It means the remote security check could not confirm that the PC meets the required TPM, Secure Boot, firmware, or Windows configuration.
Does failed attestation mean I was caught cheating?
No. Hardware or firmware configuration can cause it. However, the account receives reduced playlist access until the PC passes attestation.
Does the RICOCHET driver run all the time?
No. The kernel-level driver starts with a protected Call of Duty title and turns off when the game closes.
Are Cronus Zen and XIM Matrix allowed in BO7?
Using scripted input modifications from those devices to gain an unfair advantage violates the Call of Duty security policy and can trigger warnings or bans.
Can player reports alone cause a permanent ban?
Player reports may support an investigation, but RICOCHET also uses client, server, hardware, software, and behavioral signals before enforcement.
How do I appeal a BO7 ban?
Use Activision’s official account-penalty appeal process. Failed attestation problems should instead be resolved through the PC security guidance and Secure Attestation Wizard.
