How Indian Gaming Companies Address Cheating and Hacking in Online Games
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Loading... - Pankaj Chopra
- 18 Dec 2024
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The Indian gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, now valued at approximately $3.1 billion. However, with this expansion comes an increase in challenges related to cheating and hacking. Recent incidents, such as the banning of three teams from the Philips OneBlade Battleground Mobile India Cup 2024 for unethical practices, highlight the ongoing battle against cheating in online gaming. Beyond cheating, gaming companies also face threats from ransomware attacks, credential theft, and account takeovers.
The Seriousness of the Problem
Cheating is not a new issue in gaming; it has existed in offline games like poker and rummy. However, the online environment presents unique challenges, as cheating can be executed remotely, necessitating robust measures from gaming platforms. The severity of these threats is underscored by incidents like the 2023 hack of Riot Games, where hackers stole the source codes for popular games such as League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. This breach, facilitated by a social engineering attack, compromised the company's development environment and raised concerns about the emergence of new cheat codes.
In response, Riot Games conducted an impact assessment of its anti-cheat platform and implemented remedial measures. The company also shared insights into the hacking techniques used, contributing to industry-wide knowledge and preparedness.
Addressing Cheating and Hacking
As the Indian gaming sector grows, so do the risks associated with cyberattacks. Research indicates that 75% of gamers in India have faced cyberattacks on their gaming accounts, with 29% experiencing unauthorized access and 35% detecting malware on their devices. Cheaters often employ various tactics, including cheat codes, phishing scams, and unauthorized access to gain an unfair advantage.
To combat these threats, Indian gaming companies are employing a range of strategies:
i. Vulnerability Testing: Companies utilize tools to test source codes for known vulnerabilities and analyze applications in real-time to identify threats that may not be apparent in the source code.
ii. Ethical Hacking: Engaging ethical hackers helps challenge the security measures in place, ensuring that the infrastructure is robust against potential breaches.
iii. KYC Compliance: Most leading gaming platforms implement Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to screen users and prevent unauthorized access.
iv. Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of gameplay ensures fair play and data safety. For instance, RummyTime employs an internationally certified random number generator for its card shuffling system and maintains open communication channels to address fair play concerns.
v. ISO Certification and Compliance: Leading platforms in India, like RummyTime, are ISO-certified, and their payment gateways comply with PCI DSS standards, ensuring secure transactions.
Leveraging Technology
The integration of advanced technologies is crucial in addressing hacking and cheating in online games:
i. Blockchain Technology: The decentralized nature of blockchain enhances transaction security and makes them tamper-proof.
ii. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: These technologies analyze gameplay patterns to identify cheating attempts and take real-time action. They can also detect the use of bots during gameplay.
iii. Data Encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication: These measures protect sensitive information and add an extra layer of security to gaming accounts.
iv. Geolocation and IP Monitoring: By tracking user locations, gaming companies can identify and curb fraudulent activities originating from unauthorized access or offshore locations.
The Importance of Cybersecurity
Eliminating cybercrime is essential not only for protecting gamers but also for maintaining the trust of consumers. Research shows that 66% of consumers lose trust in companies that experience data breaches. As the Indian gaming industry continues to grow, companies are investing in advanced security measures to safeguard their platforms and retain their market position.
The Indian gaming industry is at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges from cheating and hacking. By employing a combination of advanced technologies, ethical practices, and regulatory compliance, gaming companies are working diligently to create a secure and fair gaming environment. As the industry evolves, ongoing vigilance and adaptation to emerging threats will be key to sustaining growth and consumer trust.
