There are various routes in which individuals can reduce their digital footprint and improve their cybersecurity. Methods like regularly changing passwords and opting out of data broker sites can be effective strategies and will offer improved online protection.
However, cybercriminals also target large corporations. These companies have much more to lose, and their complex systems and networks require a far more intensive and extensive cybersecurity policy. Gaming companies are like modern-day Hollywood film studios, producing games that generate billions of dollars in revenue. How common are cyber attacks on these gaming companies? Let’s find out.
Why Attack Gaming Companies?
Generally speaking, cyberattacks are financially motivated. By compromising systems and accessing private data, criminals can sell this data on the black market or even sell it back to its original owner at an extortionate price.
Some of the big game developers are incredibly successful, with companies like Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts generating north of $7 billion in annual revenue. Even the lesser-known development studios can make serious money, a testament to the ongoing growth and success of the wider video games industry.
Much of what gaming companies do is based purely in the digital space, with huge teams of remote programmers, artists, designers, and testers working from all corners of the globe. While their systems will be secured with the most cutting-edge security software, vulnerabilities in networks of this size are unavoidable.
This is why cyber attackers target game companies. They know there will be opportunities to infiltrate systems, and the potential rewards for doing so are high.
Famous Cyber Attacks on Gaming Companies
The aforementioned Activision Blizzard has been the target of a number of cyberattacks over the past few years. Most of these were DDOS attacks which, while incredibly disruptive, did not target specific datasets.
However, some cyberattacks on gaming companies are far more sinister. CD Projekt Red, the company behind the wildly successful The Witcher 3, suffered a cyberattack back in February 2021 when source code for The Witcher 3 and the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 was stolen. The hackers attempted to ransom the stolen code, but the company refused to play ball, and the code was reportedly then sold on the black market for millions of dollars.
In 2020, developer Naughty Dog suffered an attack which saw spoilers for its upcoming The Last of Us 2 leak online. After an investigation, it was discovered that hackers had found a way into Naughty Dog’s servers through the code on one of their existing games, a clear indication of just how resourceful and inventive hackers can be.
How Frequent are these Attacks?
Research has revealed that cyberattacks on gaming companies rose by 167% in 2022. This is a worrying trend for developers and players alike. It’s likely driven by the ongoing success of the industry. As games go from strength to strength and generate increasingly large revenue streams, criminals are attracted to what they see as an easy target.
Gaming companies must take steps to safeguard their systems and networks to protect their data, their staff, and their players from the constant cyber threats that exist today.
Conclusion
Cyberattacks on gaming companies are on the rise. Developers must protect their systems and their networks to combat emerging cyber threats.
