Top Cyber Threats in Gaming Industry and their Solution

Recent data from Akamai shows that the gaming industry has seen a notable rise in cyber threats in 2024. The report reveals that the sector faces record levels of bot activity, web attacks, and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.

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Akamai's security researchers noted a 94% rise in web attacks targeting games from the Q1 of 2023 to the Q1 of 2024. In June 2024, the number of attacks exceeded 1 billion. Structured Query Language injections (SQLi) were found to be the main attack method, with over 700 million incidents recorded.

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Other standard web attack methods, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and server-side request forgery (SSRF), were observed, though they were less frequent.

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This blog focuses on the top cyber threats that affect games and players and effective strategies for maintaining their safety.

6 Most Common Cyber Threats to Gaming Industry

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Hacking and Data Theft

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Cybercriminals often search for vulnerabilities in servers and platforms to steal user data. While gaming platforms provide an enjoyable experience, it's crucial for them to protect users' personal and financial information. 

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Phishing Attacks

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Phishing attacks are a frequent tactic cybercriminals use to deceive gamers into sharing sensitive information. These attacks often involve fake emails or websites that look like they are from actual gaming companies. In 2023, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) Report noted 1,624,144 phishing attacks in the first quarter, marking the highest number recorded.

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Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

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It involves sending bot-generated traffic, created by compromised computers and devices under remote control, to the servers of gaming platforms. This surge of bots overwhelms the servers and prevents legitimate users from accessing the gaming services.

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The reasons for these attacks can differ, but they typically seek to harm a company's reputation and lead to financial losses by reducing user engagement, which can significantly drop in-app purchases.

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Sometimes, these attacks may be motivated by revenge, possibly by unhappy competitors. A significant example of the growing occurrence of DDoS attacks is one of the largest ever recorded in 2020, which AWS successfully managed. Additionally, there was a 387% rise in DDoS attacks during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter.

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Video Game Cheating

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This involves taking advantage of weaknesses in game development, including code manipulation, memory tampering, and bots, to gain unfair benefits in online multiplayer games. Such cheating not only frustrates players but also reduces player retention.

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Cheating can impact in-app purchases and overall revenue, which could affect their future game releases.

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According to the 2018 Irdeto Survey, which included responses from several countries, including significant gaming markets like the US, UK, and China, cheats were found in 86% of the top 50 games on the Play Store. 75% of these applications did not pass basic security tests, making them more vulnerable to cheating attacks.

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Social Engineering

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This often happens when gamers are deceived into installing harmful software or are told to turn off their antivirus or other security features. The attackers usually pose as trustworthy sources and send fake emails that look real.

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These emails may warn users about imaginary threats to their accounts and push them to take swift actions, like changing their passwords, with links that lead to fake login pages. A report from Verizon indicates that 74% of data breaches involve human factors, which shows the important role of social engineering in cybersecurity risks.

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Ransomware Attacks

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This can be likened to digital kidnapping, where the attacker keeps the victim's data hostage until payment is made. Such attacks can greatly disrupt the gaming experience for affected players, leading to decreased participation and potentially harming gaming companies' financial stability. In 2022, Statista reported nearly 493 million ransomware attacks globally.

How to Prevent Dangers of Online Gaming?

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Protect Your Personal Information

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Avoid using personal information in your gaming usernames, like your name, date of birth, or location. It's also important not to share personal details in gaming forums. When using your gaming headset, be careful about what personal information you speak aloud.

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Download from Legitimate Sources

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To protect your computer and yourself, do not download from illegal sources. This includes games, third-party add-ons, or cheat codes. Downloading from unofficial or pirated sites can lead to viruses or malware on your system. Always use trusted download sites to ensure better security for your games.

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Be Alert to Hidden Charges

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Review the terms and conditions from the manufacturer or hosting company to ensure you are aware of any current or future hidden fees. Be cautious of potential scams when buying or selling virtual items within a computer game.

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Keep Software Up-to-Date

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Keep your devices and software regularly updated. Keeping software current helps you take advantage of the latest security updates, which protect against cyber threats.

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Dispose Of Gaming Devices Safely

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When it's time to get rid of your gaming device—whether selling, recycling, or giving it away—ensure that your personal information is deleted. The method for doing this may differ depending on the device, but it's essential to remove your account information and, if necessary, back up or transfer your games to your new device.

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Install and Use a VPN

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A VPN can make your computer seem in a different location, which helps hide your actual position from potential attackers. Before selecting a VPN, review the terms of service so you know what they include, particularly their privacy policy. While some VPNs claim to protect against malware and phishing, they do not offer the same protection as dedicated antivirus software. Therefore, it’s wise to use both.

Conclusion

ioSENTRIX envisions an internet where users have control over their data. This vision motivates us to develop innovative identity management systems and protocols. We support the standards for the web and strive to create a safer and more user-friendly online environment.

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Contact ioSENTRIX today to learn how we can help secure your gaming platform against advanced threats.

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