Cyber Security and Digital Gaming

By Jade Branion - 2024-05-13

Video games captivate and entertain people worldwide; about 70% of these players are under 18. With the advancement of digital technology, there are no more limitations on where you can enjoy your favorite game.

While some games offer single-player modes, there’s a diverse world of multiplayer gaming. Game studios, media companies, and app developers spearhead the development of these cross-platform collaborations that go beyond personal computers, game consoles, and handheld devices, enabling interaction across various media.

Interestingly, a large portion of online gaming is constituted by a collective gaming experience, raising the issue of cyber security and the risks involved.

 

Image by Onur Binay via Unsplash

The Biggest Cyber Security Risks of Digital Gaming 

Unfortunately, cybercriminals frequently target digital gamers for two main reasons—financial gain (because of the billions in revenues in the lucrative industry) and user data (a vast user base means abundant personal information ripe for exploitation). As such, cybercriminals view digital gaming as a perfect ground for their malicious endeavors.

In recent years, the gaming community has faced a notable rise in cyberattacks, resulting in the following severe consequences for gamers:

Account Takeover

Cybercriminals employ various tricks to gain unauthorized access to accounts, such as utilizing stolen passwords, deceiving individuals into revealing their personal information, or discreetly deploying malicious software. They diligently search for vulnerabilities, whether in computer systems, websites, or the security of accounts. Even if you believe you’re secure while skillfully adjusting your security settings, these crafty individuals discover innovative methods of bypassing it.

What’s the main reason behind their actions? Money. Consider the scenario where an unauthorized individual gains access to your gaming account and carries out transactions without your awareness. Others can steal your data and sell it in the dark market.

The Akamai 2020 State of the Internet/Research Report titled "Gaming During a Pandemic" sheds light on a notable surge in web-based application attacks and attacks related to credential stuffing in the gaming and gambling industry.

Viruses and Malware

There are plenty of fake gaming platforms that sell pirated content. While the allure of a cheap game (even if it’s pirated) is quite tempting, the risk of these games coming with a range of viruses and malware is relatively high. This threat is more likely to affect individuals strongly interested in discovering cheat codes or purchasing game items from unofficial sources. Viruses and malware from such downloads can delete or corrupt data on your devices, causing you to lose important information.

Image by Michael Geiger via Unsplash

Identity Theft and Security Breaches

Gaming-related businesses have also often experienced cyberattacks linked to phishing or digital social engineering attacks.

In 2022, a gaming franchise named Rockstar Games, known for developing trendy titles such as the Grand Theft Auto franchise, experienced a security breach. Nearly an hour of footage from their highly anticipated game, Grand Theft Auto 6, was leaked in the incident. A 17-year-old from the UK named 'Teapot' was behind the attack. The teenager attempted to hold the organization hostage by targeting the game's source code in the attack. It was later discovered that he was also to blame for a data breach involving Uber. In both instances, the instant messaging application Slack was utilized to execute a phishing scheme, where Teapot, masquerading as an IT worker, deceived company employees into divulging their login data.

Another incident happened in 2023 when Riot Games became the target of online social engineering attackers. After the incident, the company stated that the client's data had remained secure. However, the truth later showed that hackers had accessed the source codes of several well-known games, including League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. The hackers demanded a substantial sum of US$10 million.

Cyberbullying 

While gaming might have great attributes, it regrettably also functions as a fertile environment for cyberbullying. Within the gaming community, it’s a frequent occurrence for players to engage in verbal attacks or derogatory remarks when someone's performance is below expectations. Regrettably, this conduct has the potential to evolve into a manifestation of bullying, ultimately leading to the individual being excluded from future gameplay sessions.

Also, players can experience the thrill of anonymity and the opportunity to craft fictional identities using avatars, enhancing the overall pleasure of the gaming experience. When players are anonymous, it can be challenging to hold them accountable for their conduct when they participate in bullying or use the game as a platform for harassment.

Multiplayer games have also recorded severe cases where gamers trick unsuspecting victims (primarily children) into sharing their data, such as login credentials and passwords. Through the use of a tactic called "doxing," they can make the private information of others available online. Revealing personal information might endanger both a child and their parent, making them vulnerable to more chances of possible harassment and bullying in the future.

Ensuring a Safe Gaming Experience: Key Tips

You can enjoy a much safer and more enjoyable gaming experience while lowering your chance of becoming a victim of cyberattacks by following these tips:

The Bottom Line 

A substantial number of gamers in the community who've had their account or gaming devices targeted by cyberattacks have been doxed, leading to their private data being stolen and publicly shared online. Since the industry has a coveted data set, everyone involved must play a role to keep the platform safe for gamers.