Imagine this: you’re deep into an epic game—maybe it’s battling aliens, creating your dream theme park, or going head-to-head in a virtual showdown. Gaming, for many, is a cherished escape from reality, offering adventure, competition, and a sense of community.
But here’s the catch: where there’s gaming, there’s cheating. From old-school cheat codes to today’s cyberattacks, some gamers will do anything to get ahead.
Yet, there’s a darker side to gaming. Cybercriminals are exploiting the booming online gaming world, aiming to profit on the digital black market. With nearly 3 billion gamers globally, it’s a gold rush for hackers. Recent reports paint a grim picture: an unrelenting assault on the gaming community.
According to a recent Akamai report, web attacks on online games jumped an alarming 167% year-on-year from May 2021 to April 2022. Meanwhile, Kaspersky Lab found a 13% increase in malware attacks on games in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
So, the next time you log in to your favorite virtual realm, consider leveling up more than just your in-game character. It’s time to upgrade your gaming security to protect both your device and your personal information. Welcome to the world of game hacker threats—where staying safe is a top priority.
Why do cybercriminals target gamers?
Whether you play a free or paid online game, hackers can get plenty of value from your account. Remember all those crates unlocked over several years of collecting? There are potentially hundreds of dollars worth of cosmetics across your Fortnite, PUBG Lite and Overwatch accounts. Hacking most accounts isn’t too difficult because many players fail to employ basic cybersecurity precautions. Once they take over your account, they might be able to exploit your personal information.
Cybercriminals and game hackers target players for several compelling reasons, some of them are as follows:
- Valuable personal data
Gaming platforms store a wealth of valuable data, including payment details, personal information, and login credentials. This information is a lucrative target for cybercriminals who can profit from selling it on the dark web or using it for identity theft and financial fraud.
- In-game assets
Gamers invest significant time and money in acquiring in-game assets, characters, and virtual currencies. Cybercriminals can steal or compromise these assets, which can be sold for real money on illicit online markets.
- Cheat software scams
Many gamers seek an edge over their opponents and are willing to use cheat software to gain advantages in online games. Cybercriminals take advantage of this demand by creating fake cheat software that, when downloaded, infects the user’s device with malware. This deceptive tactic exploits gamers’ desire to excel in their favorite games.
- Social engineering
Cybercriminals often employ social engineering tactics to lure gamers into compromising their own security. This can include convincing users to disable antivirus programs and firewalls, as seen in the “Call of Duty: Warzone” example you mentioned. Once these defenses are disabled, the door is open for malware to infiltrate the user’s system.
Read more: Gamers not safe: ChromeLoader malware on your way
- Phishing attacks
Many games involve online multiplayer modes and chat features, creating opportunities for cybercriminals to engage with players, trick them into clicking on malicious links, or initiate phishing attacks.
- Monetary gain
Ultimately, cybercriminals are motivated by financial gain. Exploiting gamers can be highly profitable, whether through direct theft, selling stolen data, or ransomware attacks targeting gaming companies.
Read more: Are Cracked Games Safe to Download
Microsoft-signed rootkit targets the gaming sector
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a sophisticated rootkit signed by Microsoft, with ties to Chinese game hackers that primarily target the gaming sector.
This rootkit, linked to the previously identified FiveSys rootkit, has passed through Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) process, obtaining a valid signature. It’s designed to communicate with an actor-controlled attack infrastructure. The rootkit has multiple variants, spanning eight clusters, and 75 drivers signed using Microsoft’s WHQL program in 2022 and 2023. This discovery highlights an evolving attack vector that poses a significant threat to the gaming community.
These malicious drivers, signed by legitimate digital certificates, can operate without raising alarms, making them effective at disabling security protections, including antivirus solutions.
As a response to these findings, Microsoft has implemented blocking protections and suspended partners’ seller accounts involved in the incident to protect users from future threats. This underscores the importance of gamers and gaming companies remaining vigilant against cyber threats and implementing robust security measures to safeguard valuable assets and personal information.
How to protect against game hackers
Taking simple precautionary measures can significantly enhance your online gaming security and make life difficult for hackers and malicious opponents. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you can take:
- Use strong passwords
The significance of creating unique and complex passwords for your gaming accounts can’t be overstated. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “password123.” Consider using a password manager like PureKeep to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your gaming accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Whenever possible, enable 2FA for your gaming and email accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification method (often a code sent to your mobile device) to access your account.
- Avoid pirated games and cheat software
It’s crucial to support game developers by purchasing games legally rather than resorting to pirated versions or downloading cheat software. Crackers often conceal malware, such as ChromeLoader, in unauthorized game versions.
This malware can steal valuable credentials stored in internet browsers. Recent investigations uncovered malware in cracked versions of popular games like Call of Duty, Elden Ring, Dark Souls 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Roblox. So, stay safe and enjoy the game as intended by avoiding shady downloads and cheat software.
Read more: Roblox, Fortnite, and the game scams epidemic – How to keep your children safe
- Enhance security with VPN
When gaming online, consider logging in through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your online data traffic, preventing any prying eyes that might be lurking while you play. It’s a powerful defense that makes it extremely difficult for anyone to access your IP address or spy on your online activities. By using a VPN, you can enjoy your gaming sessions with added security and peace of mind.
Among the numerous VPN providers in the market, PureVPN’s online security and threat protection features can enhance your gaming security. UsingPureVPN for gaming can provide several benefits. It encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address from potential hackers and snoopers, and protects you from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Additionally, it also helps bypass ISP bandwidth throttling, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Recognize phishing techniques
Familiarize yourself with common phishing techniques used by cybercriminals. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources, and never share personal or login information through suspicious links or emails.
- Cyberstalking and cyberbullying awareness
Understand the signs of cyberstalking and cyberbullying, and know what steps to take if you become a victim. Reporting such incidents to the relevant authorities or platform administrators is crucial for your safety.
Read more: Game on, hackers off – Securing your gaming PC from cyber threats
Conclusion
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. Gamers must remain vigilant, practice good cybersecurity hygiene, and be cautious when downloading third-party software or engaging in online interactions to protect their valuable gaming assets and personal information.
Staying informed about game hacker trends and cybersecurity is crucial for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Following PureVPN’s blog page is a smart move to keep up with the latest insights and tips on how to protect yourself from potential threats. Stay proactive, stay secure, and keep enjoying your gaming adventures!
