Top 4 Threats Online Gamers Need to Be Wary of
Here are some of the top cybersecurity threats online gamers need to be wary of.
Video games now dominate the entertainment industry. Ever since the advent of the game-changing Sony PlayStation 2 twenty years ago and its unparalleled processing power, the entertainment industry has never been the same. Unlike movies, TV, music, and books, video games are inherently a digital medium. However, that brings its own unique set of problems.
When it comes to online gaming, players are often required to entrust their personal information with game developers and publishers. This opens them up to several cybersecurity risks.
Here are some of the top cybersecurity threats online gamers need to be wary of.
Theft of Virtual Valuables
The veritable precursor to cryptocurrency was in-game economies. In-game economies utilize virtual money that’s earned in the game itself. That, of course, means it can’t be used in the real world. However, it’s a commodity that holds real value to players. One can, in fact, fetch very high real-world prices for video game accounts with large amounts of in-game currency or access to rare in-game items and valuables. On one of the longest-running online games, RuneScape, a moderator named Mod Jed, stole 45 billion in-game coins with a real-world value of $100,000 from players.
Many video games are published, authenticated, and sold online on platforms like Origin, Steam, and GOG Galaxy. Players use a single account to manage these games. There have been cases of hackers stealing supplementary and add-on items as well as entire accounts from these online platforms.
Phishing
Players of popular video games are often made targets of phishing campaigns. Phishing tactics aren’t limited to sending fraudulent emails anymore. One commonly used tactic is to set up a fraudulent login page or to pose as a friend and attempt to send malicious links via online chat forums and platforms.
Malware
Malware spreading in gaming often overlaps with phishing techniques. Just as one can use online chat features to spread fake login pages, they can be also be used to send links to drive-by malware downloads. In popular competitive games, players often find themselves downloading malicious applications that promise cheats and tips to gain an edge over other players.
In-Game Security Flaws
A flaw in the authentication process of the popular online game Fortnite was detected in 2018. The game’s official login URL wasn’t validated. This left it vulnerable to a redirect attack. Then it was found that an unused and vulnerable subdomain for the game’s developer and publisher Epic Games. An attacker could use this compromised subdomain to request users’ login credentials.
As one of Australia’s top cybersecurity services provider, we help game developers and publishers mitigate cybersecurity risks and protect online game integrity with minimal effect on game performance. Our services include advanced web security testing, penetration testing, and mobile app security testing.
Get in touch with us for more information on our services.
The Importance of Mobile Application Penetration Testing
Here, we’ll discuss why mobile application penetration testing is crucial for enterprises that have apps.
Mobile applications hold limitless potential; they allow firms to streamline processes and enhance communication, both internally and externally, among a multitude of other benefits.
But despite their widespread use, mobile app security remains dismal. Over 65 percent of all large enterprises have been breached via mobile applications, and each breach costs up to $3 million!
Companies need to start employing mobile app security testing to uncover vulnerabilities in their systems before they are exploited. Here, we’ll discuss why mobile application penetration testing is crucial for enterprises that have apps.
1. They prevent future attacks
Mobile penetration testing is an authorised simulation of a real cyberattack. It helps businesses find where an application may be lacking with regard to security. This allows them to upgrade their system so they are better prepared in the event of a real cyberattack.
Penetration testing employs advanced knowledge of IT systems and sophisticated tools to mimic the behavior of a hacker. It allows firms to anticipate hackers’ moves and update their code to fix any flaws that could be exploited.
2. You can live with peace of mind
The launch of a new mobile application requires technical and user acceptance testing beforehand. You also need to make sure that it meets certain security standards and isn’t a risk to your company or your users.
Going live without penetration testing can expose private company information to malicious hackers who are always on the lookout for easy targets. It’s best to get penetration testing done before deploying an application to prevent any attacks—and the costs associated with them.
3. Gives you information about your app developers
Penetration testing also gives you some insight into the skill and expertise of your web developers. It helps you understand how well-structured your app is below the surface.
You can also find out how adept they are at making changes to the code once vulnerabilities have been brought to the surface, for one, and augment your workforce as needed.
4. Test the responsiveness of your IT team
Your in-house IT team should be capable enough to set preventative security measures in place. Moreover, in the event of an attack, they should know how to respond and deal with the situation efficiently.
Penetration testing can help you gauge how well-prepared your IT team is to cope with such an issue.
Are you worried about the security of your app?
Lean Security offers dedicated security and IT solutions to businesses all over the world. Our expert software technicians are skilled at mobile app penetration testing.
For more information, call +61 (2) 8078 6952 or message us here.
4 Ways to Prevent URL Open Redirect Attacks
In this blog post, we’ll go over what open redirect attacks are, why they’re dangerous, and what you can do to prevent them.
As cybercrime awareness becomes more widespread, hackers have become increasingly stealthy in their attempts to gain access to private information.
For instance, URL open redirect attacks now constitute 17 percent of all malware infections; these are immensely damaging to web visitors and website owners.
In this blog post, we’ll go over what open redirect attacks are, why they’re dangerous, and what you can do to prevent them.
What is a URL open redirect attack?
Web applications often redirect users to a login page asking for credentials, to access the desired site. The destination URL is stated in a query string parameter, which is often included in the redirection procedure. Once the user has authorised the app to do so, they are directed to the URL that was previously requested.
Since the destination URL is highlighted in the query string, it can easily be altered. This altered query string could redirect users to a malicious website—this is known as an open redirect attack.
How are URL Open Redirect Attacks Dangerous?
Open redirect attacks are dangerous because users can reveal sensitive information without even knowing they have. Say, for example, a site takes you to a login page where you are asked to enter your email address and password. Once you’re done, the tampered URL will redirect you to a login page that looks similar to the one you were just on.
Here, users are asked to re-enter their details—which they do, thinking they mistyped the password the first time around. Once that’s done, the malicious website records your information and takes you to the destination site you were previously trying to access.
This information can then be used to access your account, steal private information, and even carry out cyber theft.
How Can URL Redirect Attacks Be Prevented?
To prevent open redirect attacks, the simplest thing you can do is not let users control which site they are redirected to. However, if you still have to redirect your users, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of your website and your consumers:
1. Use a web application firewall
A WAF is the first line of defense against a variety of cyberattacks, including open redirect attacks. It also allows you to monitor traffic closely, which can indicate if a site has been tampered with.
2. Use an automated web scanner
An automated web application vulnerability scanner reviews your site’s files and reveals any malware. It’s quick and efficient as it scans your database routinely.
3. Update software regularly
Keep your software updated to prevent hackers from making use of outdated code. Any new patches or updates recommended by the developer should be installed immediately.
4. Consider penetration testing
Penetration testing allows you to find out how vulnerable your website is to malicious attacks. This can help you take necessary precautionary measures so you can protect yourself in the event of a real attack.
Choose Expert Penetration Testing Services
Lean Security is a leading penetration testing service provider with vast experience in the industry. We’ve helped thousands of big and small businesses make their websites more secure through web application security testing.
To find out how we can help you, give us a call at +61 (2) 8078 6952 or message us here.
