Video games are undoubtedly the biggest source of entertainment for kids and adults alike. Unlike music, TVs, movies, and books, online games are the most inherent digital platforms. While they are solely for entertainment, players subconsciously trust game companies with their private information, just as they do with their workplaces, online shopping sites, and financial institutions. Unfortunately, doing this exposes them to serious cybersecurity risks, including;
1. Phishing
Phishing attacks commonly target those who play popular online games, such as Minecraft, Apex Legends, Fortnite Battle Royale, and PUBG. Cybercriminals using phishing campaigns send fraudulent emails that trick users into submitting their login credentials. Hackers can also create a fake login page or pose as friends or competitors, sending malicious links to chat platforms.
Game players often give phishers more attack options than in other sectors. Fortunately, a successful attack doesn’t result in the complete loss of the players’ accounts. Instead, cybercriminals can remove all your valuables, including MMO characters and Steam inventory.
That said, phishing awareness is the best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks. Typical phishing advice applies to online gamers as well. For instance, you shouldn’t click a link you aren’t sure about, even if a friend sent it. Keep in mind that game providers send genuine emails that don’t request personal information and login details. Contact the online games ‘ support team if you can’t differentiate between genuine emails from phishing emails.
2. Weak Authentication
Most online gamers reuse their passwords as they manage multiple gaming distribution platforms. Remember that every distribution platform, such as Origin and Steam, requires separate accounts. As such, online gamers eliminate the need to remember multiple passwords by reusing one password and account credentials.
Players should enforce strict password protection measures to protect themselves from cyber threats resulting from weak authentication. Maintaining good password practices is effective in preventing these cyber threats as they would work elsewhere. Follow strict guidelines on password strength, such as using passphrases that protect your accounts from brute-force attacks while aiding memory.
3. Malware
Malware and viruses affecting online gamers often go hand in hand with phishing campaigns. For instance, if cybercriminals can use Steam chat to spread malicious links to fake pages, they can also send links that direct players to malware downloads. Hackers often use this trick in competitive games, where players voluntarily download fake apps in the guise of cheat codes, hacks, and other ways of gaining a competing edge over competitors.
Like other cyber threats, malware protection is important for this cybersecurity risk. Unfortunately, most gamers avoid running antivirus software on their gaming devices, claiming it drains its performance. Besides, some antivirus options read false positives for gaming platforms.
Regardless, you should find a good antivirus with a “game mode.” Such antivirus products don’t have false positives and discourage gamers from staying secure with irritating false positives.
4. Website and Games Security Flaws
While gamers can fall prey to several malicious actors, this doesn’t excuse game companies from their responsibilities in preventing cybersecurity attacks. Online game players often rely on the game companies’ secure infrastructures to play their games. Unfortunately, game companies don’t uphold this responsibility always.
For instance, a flaw in Fortnite’s’ Authentication process was uncovered in 2018, where the login URL hadn’t been validated, exposing it to potential attacks. That aside, IT experts who found the flaw also discovered and unintentionally compromised the game’s Epic subdomain.
Considering that the Epic subdomain’s authentication process relies on social media logins, genuine login requests were redirected to the vulnerable subdomain. This exposed personal login details to attackers, enabling genuine users and attackers to access Fortnite accounts. Hackers can exploit personal details, such as bank details, steal game artifacts and in-game currencies, and more.
That said, game companies should leverage multi-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication provides an additional step during the login process by sending a one-time code to the registered phone number or email. As inconvenient as it may seem, game companies using 2FA have better account security. Some companies offer in-game rewards to game players who enable authentication.
How Else Can Game Companies Help?
Even though players are responsible for keeping online gaming accounts secure, developers, distributors, and publishers aren’t absolved from keeping their players secure. Below are some steps that game companies can implement to maintain secure gaming platforms;
- Provide strong back-end security – geofencing, behavioral biometrics, and other strategies can improve the back-end security of gaming platforms.
- Install the necessary security features – companies should protect their software through various frameworks, including 2FA.
- Support player knowledge – game companies should work towards ensuring that their players are security-savvy.
- Respect personal data
Final Thoughts
Online gamers are not different from other software users and thus subject to similar cybersecurity threats. This means that the same software cybersecurity principles can be used to protect online gamers effectively. Game companies and players can protect themselves by knowing the above security aspects.
Robert Griffith is a content and essay writer. He is collaborating with local magazines and newspapers. Robert is interested in topics such as marketing and history.
