Safety First: Protecting Players in the World of Online Gaming
Introduction
In the dynamic realm of online gaming, where virtual worlds and competitive landscapes converge, ensuring the safety of players has become an imperative task. As the digital gaming community expands, so do the challenges of navigating potential risks and threats. There is a need for crucial strategies and measures aimed at safeguarding players and fostering a secure environment where gamers can fully immerse themselves in their passion without compromising their well-being. Online gaming, a thriving industry, makes gamers attractive targets for cyber theft, including account takeovers (ATO). ATO involves stealing characters, inventory, in-game currencies, achievements, and skins, with high-level accounts as prime targets. Gamers face real-life consequences as fraud within games can compromise personal information, including location, credentials, credit card details, and more. Protecting oneself involves maintaining privacy in sharing information, enabling two-factor authentication, and employing strong, unique passwords with security solutions that provide additional safeguards for an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Online Gaming Carries The Following Major Risks
Viruses and malware: Searching for less expensive or free downloads of your preferred games puts you in danger of accidentally downloading malware and viruses.
Theft of identity: Hackers gather information that is personally identifiable to create victimised identities. The chat feature is one of the possible risks of playing video games online with random people.
Invasion of a profile: It's not advisable to use an identical password and username across all of your preferred video game platforms since if hackers manage to obtain your login information, they may hack all of your player accounts and perhaps take control of them.
Swatting and doxing: Doxxing is the practice of hackers publishing your residential location or telephone number online after obtaining your private data. Swatting is a dangerous harassment tactic originating from online gaming, involving false emergency reports to provoke an excessive police response at the unsuspecting victim's location.
How Hacking Poses Serious Risks to Online Gaming Security
The video game industry has experienced rapid growth in recent times, catering to millions of players throughout the globe who relish an extensive array of engaging adventures. But because of its widespread use, hackers are now more likely to target it in an attempt to take advantage of its weaknesses.
Hackers are drawn to the gaming business for a number of reasons.
Due to its enormous income potential, this sector is an appealing option for investment. Players' large audience offers a treasure trove of private data that can be used for fraudulent transactions and other nefarious activities. Because of its high exposure, the sector is a tempting target for attackers looking to achieve recognition or make an impression. Customers wish to add modifications, cheats, or other external software to their contest, which increases the threat. In this sector, there is fierce competition, and winners take home large cash awards. This encourages players to use DDoS attacks to their advantage in order to outperform their rivals.
Importance of Secure Servers
Upgrade server applications and Modifications
Maintaining the most recent versions of all server software is a basic step in gaming server security. Updates and patches are regularly released by developers to address security flaws, therefore it's imperative to install them right away. If you ignore updates, your server becomes vulnerable to known vulnerabilities and a prime target for cybercriminals.
Put Strict Access Controls in Place
It is essential to manage who has permission to access your gaming system to avoid violations and unwanted access. Use strong password regulations and mandate complicated passwords for administrators on the system.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) into place
Restrict access rights to those who need them for administrative tasks to lessen the possibility of unlicensed individuals taking over a server.Safety Measures Players should be urged to adhere to best practices, which include:
Using secure passwords.
Avoid clicking on dubious links.
Updating software & apps regularly.
Upgrading antivirus software regularlyImproving cybersecurity practices and bringing attention to possible risks can greatly improve the general population's safety in gaming.
Conclusion
The internet gaming industry's rapid expansion has resulted in increased security threats in addition to recreation. Players confront various threats, including growing hacking attempts, sensitive information leaks, malware, identity theft, and doxing. To reduce these dangers, secure servers are essential. They emphasise the importance of frequent upgrades, restricting access, and user training. It becomes essential to enable security measures to keep ahead of emerging dangers. Enhancing safety measures guarantees a more secure gaming environment, safeguarding the large population that participates in this quickly changing digital space.
References
https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/top-10-online-gaming-risks
https://www.imperva.com/blog/cyber-attacks-gaming-industry/
https://www.techslang.com/securing-gaming-servers-cybersecurity-best-practices-for-online-gaming-communities/
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/1/13/16888710/barris-swatting-death-charges
Related Blogs
Introduction
Social media platforms serve as an ideal breeding ground for cybercrime. A new fraud called ‘WhatsApp Pink’ has emerged, promising new features and an improved UI. Several law enforcement and government agencies have already issued severe caution against the program, which is used to hack mobile phones and steal personal information.
What is a pink WhatsApp Scam?
WhatsApp is on a roll with new features, but the messaging app is also experiencing an increase in a new type of scam. The WhatsApp Pink scam, as it is known, is gaining steam. Police and government organisations in several states, including Mumbai, Kerala, and Karnataka, have warned about the scam. A North Region cybercrime wing tweet warned, “WHATSAPP PINK – A Red Alert for Android Users.” The government’s cybersecurity organisations have warned about the rise in pink WhatsApp scams.
Scammers and hackers target WhatsApp users with fake messages via the network in this scam. According to reports, the message contains a link directing users to download WhatsApp Pink, a bogus messaging program. According to sources, scammers are targeting many people with the promise that the next version will have a better interface and additional features.
The application also steals critical financial information such as OTP, bank account information, and contact information. When people open the link, harmful software is installed on their mobile phones, and scammers get access to the phones. The user may even lose access to their phone by downloading the app.
According to the advisory
The news about ‘New Pink Look WhatsApp with extra features’ recently circulating among WhatsApp users is a hoax that can lead to hacking of your mobile through malicious software.” It is uncommon for fraudsters to devise new tricks and methods to entice naive consumers into falling into their trap and committing cyber fraud. It is the users’ responsibility to be Aware, Alert, and Attentive to these types of frauds in order to be safe and secure in the digital world.”
The link that is present in the message, according to a notice from the police, is a phishing effort. By clicking the link, the user runs the risk of having their device compromised, which might allow scammers to steal their device information or use it without their permission.
Users run the possibility of suffering negative outcomes if they click the Pink WhatsApp link, as the Mumbai Police have warned. These dangers include financial loss, identity theft, spam attacks, unauthorised access to contact information and saved images, and even total loss of control over mobile devices.
Guidelines against the Scam
- If a user has installed the fake WhatsApp, the authorities have instructed that they uninstall it immediately by going into the mobile settings, selecting WhatsApp with the pink logo in Apps, and then uninstalling it.
- Users have been advised to exercise caution when clicking links from untrustworthy websites unless they have previously verified their legitimacy. Users are advised to only download and update software from reliable sites such as the official Google Play Store, the iOS App Store, and so on.
- individuals using the site have been told not to send any links or communications to other persons until they have received proper authentication or verification.
- To avoid misuse, users are advised not to disclose any personal or financial information, including passwords, login information, and credit or debit card information, to anybody online. Furthermore, in order to defend themselves against fraud attempts, users are encouraged to stay up to date on the most recent news and changes in order to be informed and careful about cybercriminal activities.
Why do Scammer target WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging service; it can reach out to considerably more prospective victims than it could with another tool. A scammer’s victims are almost certainly using WhatsApp. If all their victims are in one app, the criminal can easily handle their activities.
Conclusion
WhatsApp users may reduce their chances of being victims of the pink WhatsApp scam significantly by following the guidelines issued by the advisory. WhatsApp has become the primary target for scams, as there is a large number of the population using WhatsApp so it will be easy for the Scammer to steal critical personal information and target another victim through WhatsApp. The pink WhatsApp Scam is exactly like it.
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Introduction
The recent events in Mira Road, a bustling suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, unfold like a modern-day parable, cautioning us against the perils of unverified digital content. The Mira Road incident, a communal clash that erupted into the physical realm, has been mirrored and magnified through the prism of social media. The Maharashtra Police, in a concerted effort to quell the spread of discord, issued stern warnings against the dissemination of rumours and fake messages. These digital phantoms, they stressed, have the potential to ignite law and order conflagrations, threatening the delicate tapestry of peace.
The police's clarion call came in the wake of a video, mischievously edited, that falsely claimed anti-social elements had set the Mira Road railway station ablaze. This digital doppelgänger of reality swiftly went viral, its tendrils reaching into the ubiquitous realm of WhatsApp, ensnaring the unsuspecting in its web of deceit.
In this age of information overload, where the line between fact and fabrication blurs, the police urged citizens to exercise discernment. The note they issued was not merely an advisory but a plea for vigilance, a reminder that the act of sharing unauthenticated messages is not a passive one; it is an act that can disturb the peace and unravel the fabric of society.
The Massacre
The police's response to this crisis was multifaceted. Administrators and members of social media groups found to be the harbingers of such falsehoods would face legal repercussions. The Thane District, a mosaic of cultural and religious significance, has been marred by a series of violent incidents, casting a shadow over its storied history. The police, in their role as guardians of order, have detained individuals, scoured social media for inauthentic posts, and maintained a vigilant presence in the region.
The Maharashtra cyber cell, a digital sentinel, has unearthed approximately 15 posts laden with videos and messages designed to sow discord among the masses. These findings were shared with the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police, who stand ready to take appropriate action. Inspector General Yashasvi Yadav of the Maharashtra cyber cell issued an appeal to the public, urging them to refrain from circulating such unverified messages, reinforcing the notion that the propagation of inauthentic information is, in itself, a crime.
The MBVV police, in their zero-tolerance stance, have formed a team dedicated to scrutinizing social media posts. The message is clear: fake news will be met with strict action. The right to free speech on social media comes with the responsibility not to share information that could incite mischief. The Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act serve as the bulwarks against such transgressions.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the clashes, the police have worked tirelessly to restore calm. A young man, whose video replete with harsh and obscene language went viral, was apprehended and has since apologised for his actions. The MBVV police have also taken to social media to reassure the public that the situation is under control, urging them to avoid circulating messages that could exacerbate tensions.
The Thane district has witnessed acts of vandalism targeting shops, further escalating tensions. In response, the police have apprehended individuals linked to these acts, hoping that such measures will expedite the return of peace. Advisories have been issued, warning against the dissemination of provocative messages and rumours.
In total, 19 individuals have been taken into custody in relation to numerous incidents of violence. The Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar police have underscored their commitment to legal action against those who spread rumours through fake messages. The authorities have also highlighted the importance of brotherhood and unity, reminding citizens that above all, they are Indians first.
Conclusion
In a world where old videos, stripped of context, can fuel tensions, the police have issued a note referring to the aforementioned fake video message. They urge citizens to exercise caution, to neither believe nor circulate such messages. Police Authorities have assured that no one involved in the violence will be spared, and peace committees are being convened to restore harmony. The Mira Road incident serves as a sign of the prowess of information and responsibility that comes with it. In the digital age, where the ephemeral and the eternal collide, we must navigate the waters of truth with care. Ultimately, it is not just the image of a locality that is at stake, but the essence of our collective humanity.
References
- https://youtu.be/gK2Ac1qP-nE?feature=shared
- https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-those-spreading-fake-messages-to-face-strict-action-say-mira-bhayandar-vasai-virar-cops-23331572
- https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-cybercops-on-alert-for-fake-clips-23331653
- https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/01/24/bom43-mh-shops-3rdld-vandalism.html
11th November 2022 CyberPeace Foundation in association with Universal Acceptance has successfully conducted the workshop on Universal Acceptance and Multilingual Internet for the students and faculties of BIT University under CyberPeace Center of Excellence (CCoE).
CyberPeace Foundation has always been engaged towards the aim of spreading awareness regarding the various developments, avenues, opportunities and threats regarding cyberspace. The same has been the keen principle of the CyberPeace Centre of Excellence setup in collaboration with various esteemed educational institutes. We at CyberPeace Foundation would like to take the collaborations and our efforts to a new height of knowledge and awareness by proposing a workshop on UNIVERSAL ACCEPTANCE AND MULTILINGUAL INTERNET. This workshop was instrumental in providing the academia and research community a wholesome outlook towards the multilingual spectrum of internet including Internationalized domain names and email address Internationalization.
Date –11th November 2022
Time – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Duration – 2 hours
Mode - Online
Audience – Academia and Research Community
Participants Joined- 15
Crowd Classification - Engineering students (1st and 4th year, all streams) and Faculties members
Organizer : Mr. Harish Chowdhary : UA Ambassador
Moderator: Ms. Pooja Tomar, Project coordinator cum trainer
Speakers - Mr. Abdalmonem Galila, Abdalmonem: Vice Chair , Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG)and
Mr. Mahesh D Kulkarni Director, Evaris Systems and Former Senior Director, CDAC, Government of India,First session was delivered by Mr. Abdalmonem Galila, Abdalmonem: Vice Chair , Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG) “Universal Acceptance( UA) and why UA matters?”
- What is universal acceptance?
- UA is cornerstone to a digitally inclusive internet by ensuring all domain names and email addresses in all languages, script and character length.
- Achieving UA ensures that every person has the ability to navigate the internet.
- Different UA issues were also discussed and explained.
- Tagated systems by the UA and implication were discussed in detail.
Second session was delivered by Mr. Mahesh D Kulkarni, ES Director Evaris on the topic of “IDNs in Indian languages perspective- challenges and solutions”.
- The multilingual diversity of India was focused on and its impact.
- Most students were not aware of what Unicode, IDNS is and their usage.
- Students were briefed by giving real time examples on IDN, Domain name implementation using local language.
- In depth knowledge of and practical exposure of Universal Acceptance and Multilingual Internet has been served to the students.
- Tools and Resources for Domain Name and Domain Languages were explained.
- Languages nuances of Multilingual diversity of India explained with real time facts and figures.
- Given the idea of IDN Email,Homograph attack,Homographic variant with proper real time examples.
- Explained about the security threats and IDNA protocols.
- Given the explanation on ABNF.
- Explained the stages of Universal Acceptance.
