Gaming consoles used to be secure and safe. There was no need for users to share personal information and gamers could not play with or against strangers from around the world. You also couldn’t easily buy new games with the click of a button since the systems could not store credit card information.
Gaming was much simpler then.
However, modern video games are connected to the internet, making users vulnerable to hacking, malware and identity theft.
John Joyce, co-owner and CEO of CRS Technology Consultants, recently shared video game security tips during a Tech Bytes segment on Gulf Coast ABC (formerly ABC7). He offered a warning to anyone who plays games on computers or gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo.
“My biggest concern [playing video games as a kid] was losing my game cartridge with my saved game on it,” John said.
He noted that gamers today have bigger threats than just losing their saved game.
How are Video Games a Security Threat?
As gaming systems evolve and become means of communication between people online, the risk of hacking and cyberattacks grows. Consoles connecting to the internet expose the software, hardware and any other information stored on the device to hacking.
Gaming on personal computers poses the highest risk for a cybersecurity threat. Some gaming websites may promote different ads that could look innocent but be laced with spyware or malware, also known as a computer virus.
Consoles are vulnerable because of their access to the internet and ability to communicate with other users. Games that allow players to purchase different features are targets for hackers. They can steal virtual assets and sell them illegally.
“I’m not trying to pick on any of these companies, but they’ve been hacked before, and they will be hacked again,” John said.
If a hacker accesses personal information, they could use it to commit credit card fraud and identity theft.
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Video Game Security Risks
Gamers’ personal information is collected and stored when buying games from various console marketplaces. When hackers can communicate with potential victims, they may be able to manipulate them into revealing personal information.
“The biggest risk is socially engineered attacks,” John said. “Because again, you’re communicating with people online. Maybe you know them, but chances are you don’t.”
Hackers know how to build trust, and they will use that trust to try and get personal information out of players.
Fellow gamers may offer free or discounted games. This is often a ploy to encrypt the victim’s software with malware or spyware. Hackers will use malware and spyware to destroy the victim’s computer or console and potentially access sensitive information.
If personal information gets into the hands of hackers, they can attempt to guess passwords and potentially access sensitive information. This can include credit card and bank information, and even a home address.
Cameras also pose security concerns with online gaming, especially for parents. Cybercriminals or predators could have face-to-face conversations with children. Parents must be vigilant. It’s important to monitor a child’s video games, social media and internet activity.
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Staying Safe While Gaming
To protect sensitive information, it is important to keep accounts password protected. Here are some gaming tips:
- Always use a unique password.
- Use multi-factor authentication.
- Use antivirus or firewall software.
- Keep up to date with software updates.
- If possible, implement passwords to protect access to personal information like credit card information and addresses.
- Disable camera access. Cameras can be hacked and playing without it can protect your identity.
- Never give personal information to anyone.
- Never use work issued devices to download or play games.
“Think twice before you do anything,” John warned. “If something doesn’t feel right, stop immediately, log off, disconnect and stop any downloads.”
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