GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Video Game Industry Statistics

As the video game industry continues to grow, cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly prevalent, with reported breaches and attacks on gaming companies rising in recent years.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Video Game Industry Statistics

  • A 2019 study conducted by Kaspersky Lab revealed that over a third (37%) of computers used to run video games were attacked at least once that year.
  • In 2018, the Fortnite Video Game experienced a data breach impacting 200 million players.
  • Over half (64%) of surveyed gamers have experienced some form of cyber threat, per a 2019 Kaspersky report.
  • Hackers demanded $300,000 in a ransomware attack on "Cyberpunk 2077" developer CD Projekt Red in February 2021.
  • A McAfee survey found that 75% of PC Gamers worry about the security of gaming in the future.
  • In the first half of 2020, gamers downloaded malware disguised as a popular game more than 7,000 times.
  • Steam, a leading gaming platform, faces estimated 77,000 hacking attempts every month.
  • ISP Proton reported that DDoS attacks on game servers increased by 77% in 2020.
  • Cybersecurity company Bitdefender found a 340% increase in malware targeting gamers in 2020.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Video Game Industry Statistics Explained

A 2019 study conducted by Kaspersky Lab revealed that over a third (37%) of computers used to run video games were attacked at least once that year.

The statistic from the 2019 study by Kaspersky Lab indicates that a significant portion, specifically 37%, of computers utilized for playing video games were targeted by cyber attacks at least once during the year. This finding underscores the vulnerability of gaming computers to malicious attacks and highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure uninterrupted gameplay experiences for gamers. The high prevalence of attacks on gaming computers serves as a reminder for gamers to prioritize security practices such as installing reliable antivirus software, keeping software and systems updated, and being vigilant against phishing attempts and other potential threats in order to safeguard their devices and personal information.

In 2018, the Fortnite Video Game experienced a data breach impacting 200 million players.

In 2018, the popular video game Fortnite suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of a staggering 200 million players. This statistic reflects the significant impact of the breach on a large number of individuals who had their privacy compromised. The breach likely resulted in the unauthorized access to sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, and potentially even payment information for a substantial portion of Fortnite’s player base. The scale of this incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard personal data in the digital age, and serves as a cautionary example of the potential risks faced by individuals and companies in the online gaming industry.

Over half (64%) of surveyed gamers have experienced some form of cyber threat, per a 2019 Kaspersky report.

The statistic indicates that a majority of the surveyed gamers, specifically 64%, have encountered some kind of cyber threat, as reported in a 2019 study by Kaspersky. This suggests that a significant portion of the gaming population is vulnerable to various online risks such as malware, hacking, phishing, or other cybersecurity issues. The high percentage emphasizes the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity measures and being vigilant while engaging in online gaming activities to protect personal information, sensitive data, and overall online security. This statistic serves as a reminder of the prevalence and potential impact of cyber threats in the gaming community, highlighting the importance of being proactive in safeguarding one’s digital identity and gaming experience.

Hackers demanded $300,000 in a ransomware attack on “Cyberpunk 2077” developer CD Projekt Red in February 2021.

In February 2021, hackers targeted “Cyberpunk 2077” developer CD Projekt Red in a ransomware attack, demanding a payment of $300,000. Ransomware attacks involve malicious software that encrypts important files or data until a ransom is paid, often in the form of cryptocurrency. In this case, the hackers sought a significant sum of money from the gaming company in exchange for unlocking their encrypted data. The attack highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in the gaming industry and the potential financial consequences for companies that fall victim to such attacks.

A McAfee survey found that 75% of PC Gamers worry about the security of gaming in the future.

The statistic from the McAfee survey indicates that a significant majority, specifically 75%, of PC Gamers express concern regarding the security of gaming in the future. This finding suggests that a large proportion of individuals who engage in PC gaming are apprehensive about potential threats to the security of their gaming experiences, such as issues related to online privacy, data breaches, hacking, or malware. These worries may reflect the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of modern gaming environments, where players are exposed to a variety of digital risks. Addressing these concerns and implementing robust cybersecurity measures will be crucial for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of gaming activities for this demographic in the future.

In the first half of 2020, gamers downloaded malware disguised as a popular game more than 7,000 times.

In the first half of 2020, there were over 7,000 instances where gamers inadvertently downloaded malware disguised as a well-known and popular game. This statistic highlights the significant threat posed by cybercriminals who use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into compromising the security of their devices and personal information. The high number of downloads of malware disguised as a popular game underscores the importance of being vigilant and cautious while downloading and installing software, particularly in the gaming community where enthusiasts may be more susceptible to such attacks due to their enthusiasm for new and popular games. This statistic serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for cybersecurity measures to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Steam, a leading gaming platform, faces estimated 77,000 hacking attempts every month.

The statistic that Steam, a popular gaming platform, faces an estimated 77,000 hacking attempts every month highlights the significant threat of cyber attacks on the platform. This suggests that Steam is a prime target for hackers who are constantly attempting to breach its security measures. The high number of hacking attempts underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and ongoing efforts to protect user data and privacy on the platform. It also indicates the need for continuous monitoring and enhancement of security protocols to safeguard against potential breaches and protect the integrity of the gaming community using the platform.

ISP Proton reported that DDoS attacks on game servers increased by 77% in 2020.

The statistic provided by ISP Proton indicates that Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting game servers notably rose by 77% in the year 2020. This substantial increase suggests a concerning trend in cyber threats faced by online gaming platforms, potentially compromising the availability and performance of these servers for users. Such attacks can disrupt gameplay, cause server downtime, and impact the overall gaming experience for players. This data underscores the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within the gaming industry to mitigate the escalating risk posed by DDoS attacks and safeguard the integrity of online gaming environments.

Cybersecurity company Bitdefender found a 340% increase in malware targeting gamers in 2020.

The statistic indicates that cybersecurity company Bitdefender documented a substantial increase of 340% in the number of malware instances specifically designed to target gamers in the year 2020. This surge in malware attacks points towards a growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities within the gaming community, aiming to infiltrate systems, steal personal information, or disrupt gameplay. The significant spike serves as a warning to gamers to be more vigilant about their cybersecurity practices, such as installing reliable antivirus programs, keeping software updated, and being cautious of suspicious links or downloads. It also highlights the necessity for enhanced security measures within the gaming industry to counter the rising threat of malware attacks.

References

0. – https://www.securelist.com

1. – https://www.www.bbc.com

2. – https://www.www.mcafee.com

3. – https://www.www.engadget.com

4. – https://www.www.bitdefender.com

5. – https://www.protonmail.com

6. – https://www.www.kaspersky.com

7. – https://www.www.wired.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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