Arcade machines employ various anti-piracy measures to safeguard their software from unauthorized copying and tampering. One common method is the use of custom hardware, such as security chips or dongles, which are required for the game to run. These chips often contain encrypted code that is difficult to replicate. Additionally, many arcade games use checksum verification to detect altered or pirated software, shutting down if tampering is detected. Some systems also incorporate online verification, where the machine connects to a server to validate its software. Lastly, proprietary file formats and obfuscated code make reverse engineering challenging. These measures collectively help maintain the integrity and profitability of arcade gaming.