GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Esports Industry Statistics

As the esports industry continues to grow, cybersecurity threats are also on the rise, with an average of 72% of organizations reporting experiencing a cyberattack in the past year.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Esports Industry Statistics

  • Esports are expected to generate over $1.7 billion in annual revenue by 2021.
  • Cyber attacks cost the gaming industry more than $100 billion annually.
  • The frequency of DDoS attacks on online gaming platforms increased by 287% in Q2 2020.
  • 38% of gamers report having their accounts hacked at least once.
  • 65% of gamers are concerned about the cybersecurity of online multiplayer games.
  • 22% of gamers experienced real financial loss due to cyber-attacks on their gaming accounts.
  • The eSports industry witnesses almost 10 billion security events per day.
  • The cost of a data breach in the gaming industry averages $150 per compromised record.
  • In 2020, 160,000 Nintendo users' accounts were hacked.
  • Account Takeovers (ATOs) increased by 72% for eSport platforms in 2018.
  • 88% of companies in the eSports industry experienced a cyber-attack in 2020.
  • A survey by Kaspersky found that 20% of users had their gaming profile hacked in the last 12 months.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Esports Industry Statistics Explained

Esports are expected to generate over $1.7 billion in annual revenue by 2021.

The statistic that Esports are expected to generate over $1.7 billion in annual revenue by 2021 highlights the rapid growth and economic significance of the Esports industry. Esports, which involve competitive gaming at a professional level, have garnered immense popularity worldwide, leading to substantial revenue streams from sources such as sponsorships, advertising, media rights, merchandise, and live events. The projection of exceeding $1.7 billion in annual revenue by 2021 underscores the financial potential of Esports and signals a thriving market that continues to attract investment and interest from both traditional sports industry stakeholders and new players in the digital entertainment landscape.

Cyber attacks cost the gaming industry more than $100 billion annually.

The statistic that cyber attacks cost the gaming industry more than $100 billion annually highlights the significant financial impact of cybersecurity breaches within the gaming sector. This figure represents the collective costs incurred by gaming companies due to a range of cyber threats, including hacking, data breaches, and ransomware attacks. These attacks can result in financial losses from stolen intellectual property, disrupted operations, reputational damage, and legal penalties. As the gaming industry continues to grow and technological advancements increase vulnerabilities, investing in robust cybersecurity measures is crucial to mitigate risks and protect valuable assets. The $100 billion annual cost underscores the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity strategies to safeguard the industry’s resources and reputation.

The frequency of DDoS attacks on online gaming platforms increased by 287% in Q2 2020.

The statistic indicates a substantial rise in the occurrence of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting online gaming platforms during the second quarter of 2020. Specifically, the frequency of such attacks surged by an alarming 287%, signifying a significant threat to the availability and security of these gaming services. This sharp increase could be attributed to various factors such as increased online activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened competition among gaming platforms, or the growing sophistication of cyber attackers. The substantial rise in DDoS attacks highlights the need for online gaming companies to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their platforms and ensure uninterrupted service for their users.

38% of gamers report having their accounts hacked at least once.

The statistic that 38% of gamers report having their accounts hacked at least once suggests that a significant proportion of individuals involved in gaming have experienced security breaches. This finding highlights the prevalent issue of online account security within the gaming community, indicating potential vulnerabilities that gamers face when it comes to safeguarding their personal information and digital assets. The statistic underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of phishing attempts, to protect against hacking incidents and maintain the integrity of gaming accounts.

65% of gamers are concerned about the cybersecurity of online multiplayer games.

The statistic that 65% of gamers are concerned about the cybersecurity of online multiplayer games indicates a significant level of apprehension within the gaming community regarding the safety and security of their online gaming experiences. This statistic suggests that a majority of gamers are worried about potential risks such as hacking, data breaches, and privacy violations while playing online. These concerns highlight the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures by game developers and platform operators to protect gamers and their personal information while participating in online multiplayer games. Addressing these cybersecurity issues is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for players.

22% of gamers experienced real financial loss due to cyber-attacks on their gaming accounts.

The statistic indicating that 22% of gamers experienced real financial loss due to cyber-attacks on their gaming accounts suggests a significant impact of online security breaches within the gaming community. This means that nearly a quarter of gamers have directly suffered monetary consequences as a result of unauthorized access to their gaming accounts, potentially leading to stolen credit card information, unauthorized transactions, or loss of virtual assets. This highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for gamers, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being vigilant against phishing attempts to protect personal and financial information from malicious attacks.

The eSports industry witnesses almost 10 billion security events per day.

The statistic stating that the eSports industry witnesses almost 10 billion security events per day suggests that there is a significant volume of potential threats and attacks targeting companies, players, and fans involved in eSports. These security events could include attempted hacks, data breaches, malware infections, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats. The scale of 10 billion security events highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures within the eSports sector to protect sensitive information, ensure the integrity of competitions, and safeguard the overall gaming experience for all stakeholders involved. This statistic underscores the critical need for ongoing vigilance and investment in cybersecurity to mitigate risks and maintain the integrity and security of the rapidly growing eSports industry.

The cost of a data breach in the gaming industry averages $150 per compromised record.

The statistic indicates that in the gaming industry, the average cost incurred due to a data breach is $150 per compromised record. This means that for each piece of sensitive information that is exposed or stolen during a breach, the organization operating in the gaming sector can expect to spend approximately $150 in resolving the aftermath of the incident. The cost can include expenses related to investigating the breach, notifying affected individuals, implementing security measures to prevent future breaches, legal fees, reputational damage, and potential loss of business. Understanding this average cost per compromised record is crucial for gaming companies to allocate resources effectively towards cybersecurity efforts and mitigation strategies to protect their data and minimize financial impacts in the event of a breach.

In 2020, 160,000 Nintendo users’ accounts were hacked.

The statistic ‘In 2020, 160,000 Nintendo users’ accounts were hacked’ indicates that a significant number of accounts belonging to users of the video game company Nintendo were compromised in the year 2020. This could have occurred due to a variety of reasons such as security vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, or data breaches. The hacking of 160,000 accounts highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures to protect user data and personal information. It may also indicate potential risks associated with online gaming platforms and the need for both users and companies to be vigilant in safeguarding sensitive information.

Account Takeovers (ATOs) increased by 72% for eSport platforms in 2018.

The statistic ‘Account Takeovers (ATOs) increased by 72% for eSport platforms in 2018′ indicates that the number of unauthorized access incidents to user accounts on eSport platforms rose significantly from the previous year. A 72% increase suggests a substantial uptick in security breaches and compromised accounts within the eSport industry during 2018. This rise in ATOs highlights a concerning trend that may point to vulnerabilities in the platforms’ security systems, potentially putting user data and privacy at risk. The eSport platforms may need to enhance their security measures and invest in better authentication protocols to protect user accounts from further unauthorized access attempts.

88% of companies in the eSports industry experienced a cyber-attack in 2020.

The statistic that 88% of companies in the eSports industry experienced a cyber-attack in 2020 indicates a widespread vulnerability to digital security threats within the sector. This high prevalence of cyber-attacks suggests that eSports organizations are prime targets for malicious activities such as data breaches, malware infections, and other forms of cybercrime. Such attacks can have serious consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and potential disruptions to operations. This statistic highlights the urgent need for eSports companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defenses to safeguard their systems and data against emerging threats.

A survey by Kaspersky found that 20% of users had their gaming profile hacked in the last 12 months.

The statistic indicates that based on a survey conducted by Kaspersky, 20% of users reported experiencing a hacking incident on their gaming profile within the past 12 months. This implies that a significant portion of gamers have fallen victim to unauthorized access to their gaming accounts, which can lead to various consequences such as loss of in-game items, personal information exposure, or even financial loss. This statistic highlights the importance of practicing good cybersecurity habits, such as using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against potential threats to safeguard one’s gaming accounts and data.

References

0. – https://www.www.kaspersky.com

1. – https://www.www.itproportal.com

2. – https://www.www.independent.co.uk

3. – https://www.www.ibm.com

4. – https://www.www.securitymagazine.com

5. – https://www.securityintelligence.com

6. – https://www.www.venafi.com

7. – https://www.builtin.com

8. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

9. – https://www.www.pandasecurity.com

10. – https://www.www.juniperresearch.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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