GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Gaming Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the gaming industry are expected to increase due to growing online gaming activities, with an estimated 77% of gaming companies experiencing some form of cyber attack.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Gaming Industry Statistics

  • The gaming industry has seen a 340% increase in attacks from hackers since 2015.
  • Over 228 thousand phishing websites were detected in 2020 which targeted game players.
  • Cyberattacks on the games industry increased by 287% in 2020.
  • Malware infections increased by 204% from 2019 to 2020 in the gaming industry.
  • It is estimated that average cybersecurity damage costs for the gaming industry could be as high as $400 billion annually.
  • 95% of breached records in 2020 came from only three industries, with gaming being one of them.
  • Virtually all online games (over 90%) experienced some form of cyber attack in 2019.
  • 55% of gamers have had their online gaming account hacked at some point.
  • One in five gamers faced bullying or theft of their gaming account.
  • 32% of the hackers target game companies to gain unauthorized access or stealing gaming currencies.
  • By 2020, 1.3 billion gaming accounts were breached.
  • About 27% of gamers had their account stolen and sold on the dark web.
  • As of 2021, Cybersecurity in the gaming industry is predicted to be a $5.64 billion market.
  • The number of login attempts from fraudulent IP addresses increased by 30% in Q1 2020 in the gaming sector.
  • 22% of gamers acknowledge that they don't use any form of security software.
  • Over 35% of the cyber-attack victims were from the gaming industry in 2019.
  • Cyberattacks on gaming increased by 50% from 2018 to 2020.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Gaming Industry Statistics Explained

The gaming industry has seen a 340% increase in attacks from hackers since 2015.

The statistic that states the gaming industry has experienced a 340% increase in attacks from hackers since 2015 indicates a substantial rise in the frequency and severity of cyber threats targeting companies within this sector. This sharp increase suggests that hackers are increasingly targeting gaming companies, potentially due to the large amounts of personal and financial data they store, as well as the potential for financial gains through ransomware attacks or selling stolen account information. This statistic highlights the growing importance for gaming companies to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their systems and data against these evolving cyber threats.

Over 228 thousand phishing websites were detected in 2020 which targeted game players.

The statistic highlights a concerning trend whereby over 228 thousand phishing websites were identified in 2020 specifically targeting game players. Phishing websites are malicious entities designed to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, or personal information. The fact that such a significant number of these deceptive websites were aimed at gamers indicates that online gaming communities are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminal activity. This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance and implementing proper cybersecurity measures to protect oneself against potential threats while engaging in online gaming activities.

Cyberattacks on the games industry increased by 287% in 2020.

The statistic ‘Cyberattacks on the games industry increased by 287% in 2020’ indicates a substantial rise in the number of targeted cyber incidents impacting companies within the gaming sector over the year. This significant jump highlights the growing threat landscape faced by organizations in the gaming industry, likely due to increased remote work scenarios, expanded attack surfaces, and heightened online activity during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp increase underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive strategies to safeguard sensitive data, intellectual property, and online platforms within the gaming industry to mitigate the risks of cyber threats and ensure the continued integrity and functionality of gaming services for players worldwide.

Malware infections increased by 204% from 2019 to 2020 in the gaming industry.

The statistic indicates a significant rise in malware infections within the gaming industry from 2019 to 2020, with a staggering increase of 204%. This increase suggests a growing vulnerability to cyber threats within the gaming sector, potentially putting gamers’ personal information, financial data, and overall gaming experience at risk. The surge in malware infections may be attributed to various factors, including more sophisticated hacking techniques, increased online activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a shift towards remote gaming setups. The industry will need to bolster its cybersecurity measures to better protect its users and safeguard against future cyber attacks.

It is estimated that average cybersecurity damage costs for the gaming industry could be as high as $400 billion annually.

The statistic indicates that the gaming industry faces significant financial losses due to cyber attacks, with potential damages reaching up to $400 billion per year. This estimate underscores the importance of cybersecurity measures within the gaming sector to mitigate the risk of security breaches and protect sensitive data. Such high costs can arise from various factors including ransomware attacks, data breaches, intellectual property theft, and disruptions to gaming operations. To address these challenges, gaming companies must invest in robust cybersecurity strategies, practices, and technologies to safeguard their digital assets, maintain customer trust, and minimize financial losses associated with cyber incidents.

95% of breached records in 2020 came from only three industries, with gaming being one of them.

The statistic that 95% of breached records in 2020 came from only three industries, with gaming being one of them, indicates a concentrated vulnerability within specific sectors. This finding suggests that a majority of data breaches and compromised records occurred within a limited number of industries, highlighting potential areas of concern for cybersecurity efforts. The emphasis on gaming as one of the industries with a high incidence of breached records underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures within the gaming sector to mitigate the risks of data breaches and protect sensitive information. This statistic underscores the need for targeted cybersecurity strategies and investments within these industries to safeguard against potential threats and enhance data protection measures.

Virtually all online games (over 90%) experienced some form of cyber attack in 2019.

The statistic stating that over 90% of online games experienced some form of cyber attack in 2019 highlights the pervasive threat of cyber attacks within the gaming industry. This high percentage suggests that the vast majority of online games were targeted by malicious actors seeking to disrupt gameplay, steal sensitive data, or gain unauthorized access to game servers. Cyber attacks on online games can have significant repercussions, including financial losses for game developers and publishers, compromised player accounts, and disruptions to the gaming experience for users. This statistic underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures within the gaming industry to safeguard against the constantly evolving threats posed by cyber attackers.

55% of gamers have had their online gaming account hacked at some point.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion of gamers, specifically 55%, have experienced the intrusion of their online gaming account through hacking at some point in their gaming history. This suggests that online gaming accounts are vulnerable to security breaches, potentially leading to unauthorized access, compromised personal information, or even financial loss. The high percentage highlights the prevalence of hacking incidents in the gaming community and underscores the importance of enhanced cybersecurity measures for both gaming companies and individual gamers to safeguard their accounts and personal data against unauthorized access and protect the integrity of the gaming experience.

One in five gamers faced bullying or theft of their gaming account.

This statistic suggests that a significant portion of gamers, specifically one in five, have experienced either bullying or theft of their gaming account. It indicates a concerning trend within the gaming community where individuals are being targeted for such negative behaviors. Bullying can have various forms in the gaming world, such as harassment, discrimination, or verbal abuse, while theft of gaming accounts can result in loss of progress, personal information exposure, or financial loss. As such, this statistic highlights the importance of promoting a safe and respectful gaming environment while also emphasizing the need for better security measures to protect gamers’ accounts from unauthorized access and theft.

32% of the hackers target game companies to gain unauthorized access or stealing gaming currencies.

The statistic that 32% of hackers target game companies to gain unauthorized access or steal gaming currencies indicates a significant portion of cybercriminal activity is focused on the gaming industry. This statistic suggests that hackers see game companies as lucrative targets due to the potential financial gains from obtaining and selling gaming currencies or accessing sensitive player data. The high percentage highlights the severity of the threat faced by game companies and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. It also underscores the importance of increased awareness and investment in cybersecurity practices within the gaming industry to mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks.

By 2020, 1.3 billion gaming accounts were breached.

The statistic “By 2020, 1.3 billion gaming accounts were breached” represents the alarming number of gaming accounts that experienced unauthorized access or data breaches within the year 2020. This statistic reflects the growing concern of cybersecurity threats targeting the gaming industry, whereby both personal and financial information of gamers are at risk of being compromised. The breach of such a massive number of accounts highlights the need for enhanced security measures and cybersecurity awareness within the gaming community to protect user data and prevent further breaches in the future.

About 27% of gamers had their account stolen and sold on the dark web.

The statistic “About 27% of gamers had their account stolen and sold on the dark web” indicates that a significant proportion of gamers have experienced the theft of their gaming accounts, which were then subsequently sold on the dark web. This statistic suggests that online gaming accounts are a target for cybercriminals seeking to profit from illicit activities. The implications of this statistic are concerning as it highlights the vulnerability of gamers to account theft and the potential consequences of such actions, such as loss of personal information or financial resources. Players should be aware of the risks associated with online gaming and take necessary precautions to protect their accounts from unauthorized access and potential exploitation.

As of 2021, Cybersecurity in the gaming industry is predicted to be a $5.64 billion market.

The statistic states that as of 2021, the cybersecurity market in the gaming industry is predicted to reach $5.64 billion. This figure reflects the estimated total amount of money that is expected to be spent on cybersecurity measures within the gaming sector during the year 2021. As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, the importance of protecting gaming platforms, user data, and online interactions from cyber threats has become increasingly crucial. This predicted market value underscores the significant investment that companies in the gaming industry are making to enhance their cybersecurity measures and safeguard their systems, games, and users from potential cyberattacks and breaches.

The number of login attempts from fraudulent IP addresses increased by 30% in Q1 2020 in the gaming sector.

The statistic indicates that the frequency of login attempts originating from fraudulent IP addresses rose by 30% during the first quarter of 2020 within the gaming sector. This increase suggests a notable uptick in malicious activities aimed at compromising user accounts or exploiting security vulnerabilities within gaming platforms. The rise in fraudulent login attempts could potentially lead to a higher risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats for both users and gaming companies. As such, it underscores the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures and implementing robust verification processes to safeguard sensitive information and maintain the integrity of gaming services.

22% of gamers acknowledge that they don’t use any form of security software.

The statistic “22% of gamers acknowledge that they don’t use any form of security software” indicates that a significant proportion of gamers do not employ protective measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, or VPNs to safeguard their devices and personal information while gaming online. This vulnerability could potentially expose gamers to various security risks, including malware, hacking, and data breaches. The finding highlights the importance of promoting cybersecurity awareness and education within the gaming community to help users understand the potential threats and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their gaming environments effectively.

Over 35% of the cyber-attack victims were from the gaming industry in 2019.

The statistic stating that over 35% of cyber-attack victims were from the gaming industry in 2019 indicates that a significant proportion of reported cyber-attacks during that year targeted companies within the gaming sector. This finding suggests that gaming companies faced a heightened risk of cyber threats compared to other industries, likely due to the lucrative nature of the gaming sector and the valuable data and intellectual property held by these companies. The statistic underscores the importance for the gaming industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect themselves and their customers from potential cyber-attacks and data breaches. Moreover, it highlights the need for continuous vigilance and investment in robust cybersecurity defenses to safeguard sensitive information and maintain the integrity of gaming operations.

Cyberattacks on gaming increased by 50% from 2018 to 2020.

The statistic ‘Cyberattacks on gaming increased by 50% from 2018 to 2020’ indicates a significant rise in the number of cyberattacks targeting the gaming industry over a two-year period. This 50% increase suggests a notable escalation in the frequency and severity of security breaches affecting gaming platforms, including online gaming networks, game developers, and individual gamers. The shift highlights the growing vulnerability of the gaming sector to cyber threats and underlines the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks and protect user data and online gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The statistics presented clearly highlight the importance of cybersecurity in the gaming industry. As gaming continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial for companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their users and data. By staying informed about the latest threats and investing in robust security systems, the gaming industry can create a safer and more secure online environment for all players.

References

0. – https://www.betanews.com

1. – https://www.www.gambling.com

2. – https://www.www.threatmetrix.com

3. – https://www.www.cybersecurity-insiders.com

4. – https://www.www.atlasvpn.com

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

6. – https://www.www.f5.com

7. – https://www.www.kaspersky.com

8. – https://www.www.f-secure.com

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

10. – https://www.securityboulevard.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.

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