Malware infections associated with online gaming
Online safety and security have never been more important than it is today. Preventing malicious attacks and malware files from infesting your computer has become an incredibly important day to day task for those who regularly use computers.
This has become especially apparent in the gaming world where password stealers and phishing attempts run amok. We have collated the topmost prevalent malware threats that you may be at risk from when playing your online games and how to protect both you and your computer lowering your gaming threats.
Password Thieves
Have you ever received a suspicious message from an account you have never seen asking you to click a link to a website? Then you may have been targeted by a password thief!
Password thieves work by pretending to be a player you know or even one of the game developers saying there has been an issue with your account. The link they send you will be disguised to look like one of many gaming websites, but will however be a fake page. They will then ask you to enter your account details such as passwords you use or emails linked to your software. After entering your details they will then save your account details to a spreadsheet and can easily hack into your profile.
The best way to stop this from happening is by making sure you always check the person’s details who sent you the message to ensure they can be trusted. You can also avoid clicking the links entirely by manually searching the correct gaming sites so you can be certain that it is the real one! Setting up a spam filter to prevent spam emails can also help prevent this from becoming an issue.
Never share your password or email with anyone, no matter if you truly believe you can trust them or not to ensure you have secure gaming experience.
Fake Software
Perhaps the biggest way in which malware is being spread throughout the gaming industry today is through the use of viruses disguised within source code. Even big companies such as ASUS have sadly recently appeared in the news as they were used by someone to unknowingly distribute malware and malicious code in video games. Such large scale cases are exceptionally rare in the business world but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Hiding a virus inside game files is not the only way that fake software can be used to infect a gamer with malware. Hackers will also upload fake versions of famous programs or online games that contain malware, this can be referred to as a Trojan.
Computer users or gamers will install these products on their devices not realizing that it is in fact fake and hosts malware such as keyloggers or ransomware. Once installed you will first notice a large number of system resources being used slowing the performance of your desktop. This may then escalate to passwords being stolen and your email on some accounts being changed.
The first and best service to prevent this is by ensuring your antivirus security software is updated and your desktop features sturdy security solutions. Anti-virus packages are one of, if not the best methods of protection. Also, check that any programs and applications downloaded from the internet come from a site you trust. Parents can also usually contact their ISP and add certain filters to prevent their child from accidentally installing an infected program.
When buying a new computer or laptop device ensure you know you are buying from a reputable company that offers an incredible range. Using sites such as bestbudget.com and other reviewers can help stop this from becoming a problem!
Scammers
Online gaming is currently rife with micro-transactions and power gaming, scamming has become more and more prevalent as time has gone on. Wherein games such as World of Warcraft and Runescape the best content is locked behind certain levels, you may be tempted to pay someone to ‘boost’ your characters. They will ask for your passwords as they will claim to increase your player level. As tempting as this may sound, it is a great opportunity for online players to take over your profile.
Most cases will end up with your online gaming profile being taken over by a stranger and you will no longer be able to access your gaming application. If a credit card has been linked to this online profile then criminals will use it to purchase goods for themselves. But this is just one example of a threat you may face when it comes to online gaming.
Another such method to watch out for is when other online players offer incredible deals on paid content that is far cheaper than how much it actually costs. Things such as new levels are character cosmetics that are commonly used in ransom scams. A large number of games now have additional services that require you to pay for which many people are commonly exploiting to make some quick money.
Much like when it comes to preventing yourself from becoming a victim to password thieves, the best security solution to avoid losing your profile to cybercriminals is to never share your applications login details with anybody! This can help prevent the loss of money and protect your resources/system data.
Final Thoughts
Online games today are sadly full of security risks, but the ones we have covered today are only a few you face from other players and shady websites. The best online protection is by installing an antivirus system to prevent you from becoming a victim of data loss. Part of the appeal of online games is the freedom to play with a large number of users any time you choose, but this also means it has the potential to pose a threat to a host of victims.
Choosing between antivirus and cybersecurity packages can be difficult with companies such as Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, Avast, and Avira offering some of the best internet and games protection out there. No one can truly choose which is the best to protect your games and PC except yourself. If you are wanting to research how to stay safe and protect your machines from potential vulnerabilities then Malwarebytes has also provided an excellent article for you!
