Keeping Your Game On: The Importance of Cybersecurity in Today’s Gaming Industry
The gaming industry has seen an exponential growth in recent years, with revenues predicted to reach a staggering $180.1 billion by 2021. However, with great success comes great responsibility, as cybercriminals have sharpened their skills and set their sights on this booming industry – just recently hitting Riot Games. In this article, we will dive into the threats faced by the gaming industry and the importance of embracing robust cybersecurity measures to protect users and their sensitive data.
Breaking down the cyber-threats faced by the gaming industry
Between the vast amount of personally identifiable information and credit card data that circulate within the gaming community, cybercriminals have found fertile ground for potential data breaches. A whopping 12 billion attacks were reported within a 17-month span, making it evident that no player or company is safe from the devastating impact of cybercrime.
Any breach of data could lead to severe financial and reputational damages for a gaming company. These damages include fines under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which can be as high as €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover. Even more concerning is the potential loss of customer trust, as gamers dedicate significant amounts of time and resources to build their online identity and invest in virtual assets.
The ThreatMetrix Gaming and Gambling Cybercrime Report
In order to further gauge the severity of the cybercriminal activity within the gaming industry, the NYTimes Report (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/13/technology/gamers-malware-minecraft-roblox.html) elaborates on the types of threats seen in this space. Shockingly, the report states that approximately 5% of new accounts created on online gaming sites are related to fraud, presenting a grave indication of the challenge faced by the industry and its players.
Guidelines for better security assurance
In an effort to improve cybersecurity within the gaming realm, several effective strategies and guidelines can be implemented. From enabling multi-factor authentication to complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), these measures aim to create a safer environment for players and companies alike.
Multi-factor authentication
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify their identity when logging in. By combining something a user knows (e.g., a password) with something they have (e.g., a mobile device), MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access to user accounts.
PCI DSS compliance
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security requirements designed to protect cardholder data. By adhering to these rigorous requirements, gaming companies can protect their customers’ credit card information and maintain a trustworthy relationship with them.
Protecting against DoS and DDoS attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and their simpler counterpart, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, can cripple a gaming platform by overwhelming its servers with massive amounts of traffic. By deploying tools designed to detect and mitigate these attacks, gaming companies can greatly reduce the risk of service disruption for their players.
Embedding security in the entire lifecycle of game development
Ensuring a gaming platform’s security does not end with authentication and compliance measures. It is also crucial to integrate cybersecurity best practices throughout the entire game development lifecycle. This includes the planning and design stages, all the way through post-release updates and maintenance.
Making gaming a safe space for players
The gaming industry has an indisputable responsibility to make its virtual worlds a safe haven for players. As cyberthreats continue to grow in number and sophistication, companies must prioritize cybersecurity by baking it into every layer of their software, hardware, and networks. By following guidelines and implementing robust security measures, the gaming industry can successfully protect its users and their data from the grasp of cybercriminals.
In conclusion…
The gaming industry has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, but this success has also attracted unwanted attention from cybercriminals. With 12 billion attacks reported in just 17 months, the gaming industry cannot afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. By adopting multi-factor authentication, adhering to PCI DSS, protecting against DoS and DDoS attacks, and embedding security throughout the game development lifecycle, the industry can work towards a safe and sustainable future for all gamers.