Sponsored: Are Online Games a Breeding Ground for Cybercrime?

The recent headlines are alarming: According to media outlets from around the world, the world of online gaming can be a breeding ground (and hiding place) for cybercriminals. Tales of hacking, malware development, child pornography, drug trafficking, and more have all been linked to online gaming. In 2013, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released a report linking online games to money laundering, and more recently, the use of gaming consoles has been a point of concern during investigations into terrorist organizations.

Yet is it all true? Is online gaming, originally intended for fun and entertainment, actually a potentially dangerous hobby? It seems that some signs are pointing to yes, and it’s up to gamers to change the tide.

The Gaming-Cybercrime Connection

The issue of violent video games has been one of concern among parents, law enforcement, and child development experts for decades. Dozens of studies have confirmed that playing violent games can have an effect on young kids’ behavior and perceptions of violence. However, in the world of online gaming, the stakes are getting even higher.

Recently, the director of the U.K.’s National Crime Agency was criticized for suggesting that online games are often a starting point for criminal behavior among players. He noted that when players get away with petty crimes in online games, such as stealing other players’ supplies, the lack of consequences can lead them to attempt similar actions in real life.  While critics noted that it was unfair to assume that young people with an interest in computer science and gaming were on the fast track to a life of crime, the NCA notes that committing crimes in an online world doesn’t come with the same consequences as it does in the real world — and it’s usually the thrill of getting away with something and seeing how far you can go that drives people to more audacious crimes.

And it’s those more audacious crimes that have officials concerned. One of the most common crimes in the world of online gaming is money laundering, thanks to games’ virtual economies where online currency can be exchanged for real money. However, other common crimes including hacking, DDoS attacks, and malware, usually designed to disrupt other players’ games are also becoming more common.

And it’s not just the gamers themselves that are engaging in cybercrime. Many have become victims of cybercrime, from both other players and more nefarious criminals who have larger goals in mind. Gaming platforms are a prime target for exploitation, with cybercriminals targeting them to collect data to steal and then sell. In just the past few years alone, nearly every major gaming platform has been attacked in some fashion, compromising the personal details of millions of players. Online games have also been a prime target for ransomware; in one recent case, the developers of the Gameover ZeuS virus made millions by infecting computers with ransomware before they were caught.

Finding a Solution

Admittedly, it’s unfair to cast all gamers in the same light, since the vast majority play online for enjoyment and never even come close to committing a crime. However, the gaming community can no longer ignore the fact that not only are they targets for crime, but that other players may have more sinister intentions than simply winning the game.

Therefore, it’s important to take some steps to change the playing field so to speak, and keep yourself safe while also learning to identify potential issues. These include:

• Using a comprehensive Internet security product, like Trend Micro Internet Security 10, to protect against viruses, Trojans, ransomware and other threats common in online gaming.

• Use different passwords for every game, and activate two-factor authentication when available.

• Limit the amount of personal information you share in forums and during play. Social engineering is a significant problem in online gaming, and the information you provide can be used to launch an attack on you. Never give your login details to anyone, even if they claim to be helping you.

• Parents should learn the signs of suspicious activity. Kids suddenly earning money from online games, refusing to reveal what they do online, and a sudden interest in coding without a willingness to talk about what they are learning are all signs of a possible issue and should be addressed.

• Learn the terms of service for games, and report suspicious or illegal activities when you see them.

Online gaming doesn’t have to be a dangerous hobby. With the right protections and vigilance against criminal activity, it can remain enjoyable. It’s just important to understand the risks, and watch out for the troublemakers, to avoid it becoming one of the world’s truly dangerous places.