Securing the net: How cybersecurity is changing the game of eSports

Becoming a multibillion-dollar business undoubtedly exposed the eSports industry to increased threats from potential hackers, and this has made the need for the implementation of cybersecurity more critical than ever.

 

What is Cybersecurity?

Also called information technology (IT) security and digital security, cybersecurity is the fortification of systems, computer software, and networks from risks and threats that can lead to theft of hardware and unauthorized or illegal information disclosure.

These critical risks can also result in data theft, software theft, and the misdirection and disruption of the services provided by them.

Fortunately, there are lots of services and literature such as those on Vpnetic.com that are dedicated to demystifying the nitty-gritty of cybersecurity for the layman.

It makes understanding the concepts and actual implementation of various levels of system/network security infrastructures easy and effective.

 

The relevance of cybersecurity in eSports

eSports-targeted cybersecurity addresses such risks as denial-of-service attack (DDoS) attacks and phishing in a bid to provide the gaming ecosystem with a safe digital environment.

The major focus of online security is to protect highly sensitive information as well as uphold the reliability of the digital structure which the booming eSports ecosystem needs to survive.

All the major eSports stakeholders must work together from game publishers to the platform providers, event hosts, leagues, and the players.

The onus is on this gaming chain to make critical efforts to defend the industry against the dangers of cybercriminals.

 

Leveraging cybersecurity in reducing the threat of cybercrime

How eSports stakeholders mitigate the threat of online crime with cybersecurity procedures, policies, and best practices.

 

Tough security policy implementation

The eSports industry has witnessed multiple changes following the effective implementation of tough security policies by the industry stakeholders.

In the eSports and gaming industry, end users can only get the bulk of current PC games via digital platforms like Steam, Blizzard’s Battle.net, and EA Origin. Being cognizant of the fact that these platforms have watertight security, many users feel safe to store vital credentials there including their bank information and betting details, however, what they do not know is that these platforms attract a lot of malicious attacks.

Another event that has been a magnet for malicious attacks is e-sport conventions is the possibility of hacking people's devices when they connect through public WiFi.

All these risks call for the implementation of firm security standards which have been described as the basis for improving security in the area of digital sports.

Cybersecurity comes in through these rules as it contains technological measures and precautions against cheating and cyber risks, focusing on personnel, employee, and player safety.

Regular reviews of these security measures guarantee that they remain effective.

 

The enforcement of security obligations 

It is not just enough to create firm security standards for all eSports stakeholders to follow, enforcing these security obligations is even more important. cybersecurity obligations and privacy are issues that need to be properly explained to game publishers, platform providers, event hosts, leagues, and gamers.

Once these stakeholders understand the implications of exposure to digital criminals, the problem is half-solved.

They should be thought that the enhanced features of sophisticated software and hardware that are now used in gaming have brought massive change into the industry, which however is boosting the opportunity of hackers to steal user’s private information.

The same opportunities should be leveraged by the legitimate stakeholders in gathering more data/information about identified platforms, game publishers, and users.

Needless to say, this creates more exciting and customized experiences for all gamers.

To engender a secure eSports ecosystem, the downstream partners should be mandated to adopt solid security measures which include assessing their security environments.

When it comes to handling private information, users must align with the prevailing data protection regulations to keep things safe.

 

Using proxy servers to enhance security

The raging war against cybersecurity threats has made the use of proxy servers very important to stakeholders in the gaming and eSports industry.

Users who wish to protect their information from unwanted access can integrate proxies into their devices or browsers.

By so doing, they will eliminate the risk of security breaches and IP address tracking during the gaming sessions. This way, gamers can bet on sporting activities without entertaining fears.

 

The US’s contribution towards boosting cybersecurity

Even the US government is making concrete efforts to boost its resistance against cyberattacks.

The country is on a mission to harness the learned skills of its most talented young minds, leveraging esports - a model that emulates competitive video gaming.

US National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education launched the US Cyber Games which brought a 25-man team (aged 18 to 26) to compete against sister countries in the opening International Cybersecurity Challenge.

This started in June 2022 and the inaugural edition was hosted in Greece.

The goal of this project is to identify candidates with the capacity to build careers in cybersecurity and give them the necessary training.

The approved age bracket for the US Cyber Games consists of members of the video gaming generation who are better suited to excel at the activities.

The type of games they are expected to participate in include the attack and defence category where one team will be attempting to break into another team’s network while trying to master their target’s defence strategies.

There are other game types where teams are expected to complete multiple puzzles that centre on the fundamental tenets and views of cybersecurity programs, including investigating secret network traffic and decrypting encrypted files.

The battle between the entertainment industry and digital fraud is getting tougher by the day and the United States seems to have taken the bull by the horns.

With this new gaming ceremony, the US is equipping its young people to understand cybersecurity and the possible activities of cyber criminals and how to combat them.

 

In conclusion

Cybersecurity has already influenced the eSports and the gaming industry landscape to a great extent and with the recent activities of the United States and other countries in the launching of the US Cyber Games, the gaming industry will be poised to do greater exploits in the future.