According to recent studies, cybersecurity threats anywhere within the gaming industry increased by more than 340% between 2021 and 2022. Due to the alarming popularity of online gaming, players were easy prey to hackers both before and after the pandemic. Multiplayer online games gained popularity as a way for solo gamers to interact with others when face-to-face contact was off-limits. Hackers started harmful cyberattacks on players and gaming companies to get sensitive user information and passwords for financial gain.
Data Theft
Theft of sensitive data is intrinsically linked to any kind of cybersecurity violation. Data manipulation or theft is a basic part of any cyberattack.
Identity Theft
Most often, players and companies in the online gaming business have problems with cybersecurity due to identity theft.
Phishing
The difference between a phishing attack and a standard cyberattack lies in the fact that the former uses email to spread fraudulent links to login sites designed to steal sensitive information.
Malware Attacks
Even if both the game developer and the player know they are being targeted by malware, the attack can still stop the game in the middle of a session and steal statistics about the game.
Why Does Online Gaming Require More Cybersecurity?
Almost a million hacked user accounts provide exclusive access to gaming companies, and they’re selling like hotcakes on underground marketplaces. According to experts in cybersecurity, hackers have their eyes set on the lucrative online gaming industry, as people like no deposit bonuses, free spins, reward points, etc. where they can enjoy the game without any undue financial risks. These bonuses are perfect for newbies to learn about the games while veteran players get that extra value. However, choosing a site with a no-deposit bonus that is not prone to cyberattacks and will keep all your personal and financial data is also important.
Estimates put the value of the online gaming sector at slightly over $200 billion by the end of 2022, making it a potentially huge market to tap. Sadly, many parts of the online gaming sector don’t emphasize cybersecurity.
How Can Players Ensure Their Safety?
Anxiety can be an effect of cyberattacks. Several measures are available to online gamers who want to avoid interaction with hackers. Some of them are:
Researching Thoroughly
Before trusting a site or app to play a game, one must check to see whether it is suitable for their age. The recommended age range for playing a game online is indicated by its rating. For instance, “E” graded games are generally considered appropriate for use by people of all ages.
Using Virtual Private Networks
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are the best tools for online gamers to use to hide their online activity and prevent unwanted visitors from spying on them. Using a VPN makes it extremely difficult for hackers to access time and location, past records, activity, and digital gadgets. A VPN is a good defense against data and identity theft.
Using Only Encrypted Websites and Services
The iGaming industry takes precautions against hackers, including the use of encryption and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certifications. SSL is by far the most commonly used method of online data encryption. During transmission, SSL protects user data from snooping and data theft. A lot of trustworthy gaming sites also use 128-bit SSL encryption to keep customer information and financial transactions safe.
Reporting or Blocking Cyberbullies
You must be aware of strategies to reduce or stop cyberbullying if you love playing games online. You must understand how to be responsible online before playing games. It’s risky to click on links from unknown sources, and it’s probably against the game’s rules to intimidate other players. Most gaming sites will enable you to report or block people who are engaged in cyberbullying.
Installing an Antivirus Program
Some free antivirus programs offer decent online safety when using the internet or doing financial transactions online, while others can be set to automatically delete malicious files at regular intervals.
To Wrap It Up
People play online games as a way to relax after a long day. They will avoid it and look for other forms of entertainment if they sense a risk to their jobs or public image. Online cyberattacks are becoming more common, but they can be mitigated with the right tools and practices, such as VPNs, antivirus programs, and SSL-encrypted websites. Players can feel safe exploring the web without worrying about their data. The industry has an ethical responsibility to provide gamers with a safe place to play.