Arcade software tampering can lead to unfair advantages, revenue loss, and system instability. To combat this, several effective methods are widely used:

1. Code Obfuscation: Making the software code difficult to reverse-engineer by scrambling or encrypting it.

2. Hardware Security Modules (HSMs): Using dedicated hardware to store and process sensitive data securely.

3. Checksums and Hashing: Verifying file integrity by comparing checksums or cryptographic hashes.

4. Secure Boot: Ensuring only authorized software runs by validating digital signatures during startup.

5. Regular Updates and Patches: Fixing vulnerabilities promptly to stay ahead of potential exploits.

6. Physical Security Measures: Locking cabinets and using tamper-evident seals to deter hardware manipulation.

Combining these methods ensures robust protection against tampering, maintaining fair play and operational reliability in arcade systems.