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7 Common Online Gaming Cybersecurity Risks

Published

3 years ago

September 6, 2021

Gaspar Incze

Photo credit: unsplash.com

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When it comes to online gaming, cybersecurity risks abound. This can be attributed to the fact that online gaming gained global recognition, generating vast sums of money and attracting the attention of hackers. Cybercrime has become so widespread that it is expensive for both the players and companies in the gaming industry. In this article, we’ll outline common online gaming security risks.

1. Phishing

When it comes to social engineering attacks, phishing is the most common form. Criminals build a replica of a popular online game website, then send emails and messages to gamers urging them to either validate their accounts or change their passwords. They use lies and psychological tricks to manipulate their target to divulge confidential information or perform specific actions.

Once the gamer falls for this, the scammers steal their login credentials and get complete access to their account. The phisher can also get access to some vital information from the player’s information in their account and use it for extortion or fraudulent activities.

2. Data theft

Online gaming platforms accumulate tons of personal data from their subscribers; hence hackers target the players’ accounts. Gamers’ accounts will have confidential information about their location, media involvement, and payment details for the subscriptions.

Weak security systems of gaming platforms may lead to data security breaches, and in turn, extensive exposure of confidential clients’ information. Hackers use this personal information to infiltrate the player’s financial assets and privacy.

3. Weak validation process

Multiplayer online games will require a unique password to function, and gamers struggle with password mismanagement. This sees gamers forcibly recall and manage many passwords, which can compromise older games since they can be without updates for years.

Since some games reveal the player’s username and scores, data thieves can use this to choose who to target and use the username details to hack into their accounts. The frail validation process makes it easy for hackers to gain access.

4. Ransomware

Hackers have been targeting online games providers of all sizes with Ransomware attacks. They usually use purpose-built malware on the target website, lock their network, and encrypt their data. After that, the Ransomware displays a message on the website demanding payment from the gaming provider to restore access. The downside with this is that ransom payment does not always guarantee access restoration.

5. Spyware

Spyware is a common cyber security issue. Hackers use spyware schemes, especially on those untrustworthy online gaming platforms, without the players’ knowledge. The spyware monitors and records the actions and movements of the players on the internet, and then sells this information to third parties. This is the ultimate breach of privacy.

6. Trojan malware and computer viruses

Computer viruses are a prevalent form of cybercrime. Players suffer this when they play from unprotected websites, download rogue attachments, or respond to in-game communications. The Trojan viruses are engineered to look like the real software and deceive the player into downloading them or clicking on links. Trojans analyze the player’s password and other information, then send the data back to the hacker to complete the hack.

7. Trolling and bullying

Most online games have a text or voice-based feature that players use to communicate with each other. Unfortunately, some players can lose it as they battle online and use the chat feature to troll and bully online competitors. These indecent chats can be uncomfortably personal, especially the one dedicated to the virtual life of an online character.

Endnote

Online gaming is all fun until you experience cybercrime. Be on the lookout for these common cybersecurity risks, so you can get to enjoy your favorite online games without giving the hackers an avenue to ruin your moment.

Related Topics:Cybercrime cybersecurity online gaming

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Springbok Casino’s Wild November Feature ‘Backyard Gangsters’ Offers 25 Free Spins on new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion slot

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2 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Peter Tolan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is today celebrating a five-award sweep in the coveted 5 Star Media Awards of 2024.

The legendary games studio nabbed a second consecutive Slot Supplier of the Year award, as well as being named the RNG Casino Supplier of the Year. The company also secured three of 5 Star Media’s “Top 20” Awards for co-founder and CMO Ebba Arnred, Director of Business Development Stuart Trigwell, and Head of Brand and Communication, Andrew Pink.

Play’n GO has enjoyed a landmark 2024, breaking new ground by entering the South African market, as well as expanding its US presence into what is now five states.

Ebba Arnred, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Play’n GO, commented “We’re always very pleased to have our work recognised at the various awards throughout the year, but to win five in one fell swoop is almost unprecedented. It’s very special to be awarded Slot Supplier of the Year for a second year in a row, and RNG Casino Supplier of the Year is another well-received feather in our cap. We would like to thank 5 Star Media and the entire judging panel, as well as our entire team here at Play’n GO, without whom these award wins simply wouldn’t happen. On a personal level, I’d also like to express gratitude for the individual recognition of a 5 Star “Top 20” Award.”

Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, added “I’d like to express a sincere thank you to 5 Star Media for being recognised in their “Top 20” Awards. We do our work not for individual accolades but for the success of the entire business, so it’s great to see Play’n GO so well represented across the board.”

Andrew Pink, Head of Brand and Communication at Play’n GO, said “Play’n GO’s driving ambition is to be the best entertainment supplier there is. Aside from producing some of the most played games and best loved characters in the world, that ambition is often realised by things largely unseen by those outside the company. It’s extremely gratifying for everyone at Play’n GO to be recognised as Slot Supplier of the Year. Next year may just be our biggest and best yet.”

eSports

Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2025 season

Published

1 day ago

November 1, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), founded in 1984, is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.

MSSA promotes all the different disciplines equally, although each school may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote at its school. Some schools will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.

The choice is ultimately up to the school.

The various games offer unique opportunities to many South African learners. Many learners have been able to earn Regional, Provincial, and National Colours which have allowed them to earn bursaries and obtain first-class educations.

MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports. Many members of the national teams have been scholars, and all have benefited from their involvement in the national Protea Team.

With the above in mind the MSSA has streamlined the process for schools to affiliate to the MSSA.

There is still the option open for a school to start a full-blown sub-club on its premises, but bearing in mind the tight regulatory conditions under which accredited schools have to operate in the Republic, the MSSA no longer deems it necessary for a school to start a sub-club.

As long as the school club has the approval of the school, and has an Educator-in-Charge, a school may affiliate by merely completing the Application for Affiliation Form and submitting such to MSSA.

In order to affiliate, the completed Application for affiliation Form must be submitted to the MSSA.

Once the Board has approved a school’s affiliation, the school then needs to complete the Google Registration Page allocated to the school for the players and make payment.

All school members may participate in all events for which it qualifies. Such events include meetings, championships, courses, and so forth.

Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club: There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:

Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding – MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
Being able to get assistance from your local government
Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.

MSSA’s Constitution

The Constitution forms the foundation of the MSSA. It guarantees members rights and governs the way that the MSSA operates. It can only be amended by a two-thirds majority at a Council Meeting. Please remember that Associations only have two (2) votes each, whereas member clubs have a representational vote, being:

Private clubs: one vote per every five registered players, and
School clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.

MSSA’s General Regulations
The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed. Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.

MSSA’s Discipline Specific Regulations
The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.

Application for Affiliation form
When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.Fee note for 2025
The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.

Player Registration Form
The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.

MSSA’s Letter of Undertaking
The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.