Latest News
The role of cybersecurity in eSports
Reading Time: 3 minutes
As the online gaming and esports industry has become valued at over $100 billion, it also has become a prime target for cyber threats. The majority of PC games are delivered through digital platforms, such as Steam, and users ultimately store their credentials in these platforms (including bank information). Thus, digital platforms like Steam, EA Origin, Blizzard’s Battle.net, and a handful of other digital game clients are ripe for malicious attacks. Steam alone has over 125 million users. Also at risk are game-specific clients, such as Garena’s League of Legends.
With so many gamers not thinking twice about storing payment account information in platforms like Steam, it’s absolutely certain that hackers will continue to target these digital gaming clients. And because e-sport conventions attract massive crowds, all connecting to public WiFi, these events are prime targets for malicious attacks.
To combat this threat, client developers should make security a top priority. Digital platforms need to undergo rigorous pen-testing, from the best IT security consultants available. Gamers also need to make sure their clients are always up to date, and to be extremely wary of what actions they perform while connected to public WiFi networks, such as at esport conventions. Connecting to a VPN would also add a layer of security – you can choose a good VPN from this list.
This isn’t a hypothetical scenario – hackers can and have breached these game platforms, stealing large amounts of customer data. In fact, the developers of Kaspersky Antivirus raised serious concerns over the discovery of malware known as the ‘Steam Stealer’ in 2016.
The ‘Steam Stealer’ reportedly steals the account credentials of 77,000 Steam members each month and, with 1,200 types of malware in activity, Kaspersky’s researchers, Santiago Pontiroli and Bart P, claim these data breaches have “turned the threat landscape for the entertainment ecosystem into a devil’s playground”.
Later in 2017, hackers managed to get into the database of ESEA (E-Sports Entertainment Association League), threatening to release the details of over 1.5 million user accounts, to the ransom of $100,000. ESEA is one of the leading matchmaking services in online gaming, and offers professional tournaments with cash-based prizes for popular games like CounterStrike: Global Offensive, and Team Fortress 2.
ESEA advised players to secure their accounts, while working to patch the vulnerability. The hackers later also breached the ESEA game server infrastructure, changing ever player’s karma rating to a score of “-1337”.
Then in late 2018, a critical bug was uncovered in EA’s Origin client, by an independent security researcher. The bug allows a malicious entity to scrape account data. The independent researcher, online handle Beard, explained the bug:
“The bug occurs when you use the EA Origin client but request to edit your account on EA.com […] The EA Origin client will spit out an auto-login URL, in which the token is basically the equivalent of your active username and password.”
Auto-login URLs are fairly common, and are typically based on a user’s cookie files stored on their device. However, this was not the case with the EA Origin auto-login URL, which allowed using the URL without any prior authentication. An attacker could then guess a user’s security question, hijack the account entirely, and use any kind of stored payment method associated with the account.
The scariest thing about the bug was how these auto-login URLs could easily be harvested from unsecured WiFi networks. If an attacker were to hit an esport convention where a large number of users were connecting to a public WiFi, and then logging into EA Origin accounts, the damage could have been massive.
Fortunately, the independent researcher quickly notified EA of the bug, and a patch was quickly released. It is, however, just one example alongside others we’ve shown, of how tiny security flaws can put millions at risk.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: The role of cybersecurity in eSports
Latest News
Gamblers Connect Launches Dedicated ‘Game Providers’ and ‘B2B Providers’ Sections to Strengthen Industry Partnerships and Visibility
Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming affiliate and media platform, officially announced the launch of two new partner-focused destinations on its website: the Game Providers section and the B2B Providers section.
These hubs are designed to give verified partners richer exposure, clearer positioning, and a single home for comprehensive company profiles, reviews, and work highlights.
Gamblers Connect has specially curated profiles for official Game Provider partners, featuring company history, entertainment categories, flagship titles, and direct links to online casinos where their games are available. Profiles also showcase notable projects and media mentions, with direct navigation to games, categories, and live operator placements. To extend reach, partners enjoy ongoing amplification through Gamblers Connect’s media network and communications channels.
The B2B Providers Section provides in-depth profiles and reviews for official B2B partners—covering background, core services, market presence, and notable projects—built to help operators, studios, and peers evaluate capabilities at a glance. Unlike standard directories, these hubs serve as an exclusive showcase, designed to provide clarity, context, and visibility for partners while helping decision-makers connect with the right collaborators.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “These hubs for Game Providers and B2B Companies are not just pages, they are powerful tools that help partners tell their story and reach decision-makers. Our goal is simple: to make it easier for the industry to discover, compare, and connect.”
Companies interested in being officially featured and reviewed on Gamblers Connect can request inclusion. [email protected] [email protected] | Telegram: @lukadimitrijevic
The post Gamblers Connect Launches Dedicated ‘Game Providers’ and ‘B2B Providers’ Sections to Strengthen Industry Partnerships and Visibility appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Gamblers Connect Shortlisted for Prestigious Affiliate Awards at SiGMA EURO-MED and SBC Summit 2025
Gamblers Connect, the award-winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for two major industry accolades: Best Affiliate 2025 at SiGMA EURO-MED and Affiliate Traffic Source of the Year at the SBC Summit Affiliate Leaders Awards.
These nominations highlight Gamblers Connect’s continued commitment to transparency, innovation, and delivering meaningful value to both players and partners across the global iGaming landscape.
Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “Being shortlisted for two such prestigious awards is a true recognition of the hard work and dedication our entire team has invested over the past year. It reinforces our mission to stand out not only as a trusted affiliate partner but also as a key driver of visibility and sustainable growth within the industry.”
In 2025, Gamblers Connect expanded its ecosystem with dedicated Game Provider and B2B Provider sections, introduced exclusive PR collaborations and interviews, and strengthened its role as a reliable traffic source for operators and providers worldwide.
With a focus on SEO excellence, responsible gambling practices, and long-term partnerships, Gamblers Connect has cemented its reputation as one of the most influential affiliates in the sector.
These nominations showcase the strength of Gamblers Connect’s dual identity — both as a trusted content hub for players and as a strategic growth partner for B2B companies, operators, and providers.
The post Gamblers Connect Shortlisted for Prestigious Affiliate Awards at SiGMA EURO-MED and SBC Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine
Ukraine now has its first full-fledged Ukrainian-language live product, created by local specialists for local players.
The format combines modern technology with national identity, turning gameplay into a space where native language is heard from the very first moment.
Favbet opened a new opportunity for the market in the live segment. Without waiting for audience demand, the company shaped it itself, introducing its own branded live studio powered by Spinner. This proactive step secured Favbet’s reputation as an innovator that sets standards and creates trends.
The project was entrusted to Spinner — a modern and ambitious B2B provider with Ukrainian DNA and technological expertise, capable of delivering a fully branded studio in the state language. The partnership united shared values, high standards, and a clear understanding that players choose content closest and most relatable to them.
The studio’s atmosphere reflects Ukrainian character and hospitality. Hosts communicate in a relaxed manner, respond in real time, keep conversations flowing, and add light humor. It is a place players come not only for the game but also for live interaction and a sense of community.
Deep customization, Ukrainian-speaking hosts, and instant support create the comfort level every Favbet user deserves. Demand has grown so rapidly that in just one year the number of tables doubled from six to twelve.
Most importantly, these games are available exclusively on Favbet’s website and mobile applications.
Favbet × Spinner made Ukrainian the foundation and raised the quality bar to the level of global best practices.
PARTICIPATION IN GAMBLING CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION. PLEASE FOLLOW RESPONSIBLE GAMING PRINCIPLES.
License for online casino operations dated 20.04.2021 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 137 of 05.04.2021 (as amended), and license for bookmaking operations dated 28.12.2022 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 433 of 13.12.2022.
The post Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn
-
Latest News3 months ago
New Resort & Casino Selects IvedaAI for Intelligent Video Surveillance Ahead of Grand Opening
-
Latest News2 months agoBrand-new projects debuting at iGB L!VE: Casino&You and Win&You Partners!
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
Light & Wonder to Participate in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
ReferOn Shortlisted for Acquisition & Retention Partner of the Year at SBC Lisbon 2025
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
Gavin Hamilton Joins Sports & Wellbeing Analytics as Chairman to Accelerate Global Expansion
-
Latest News2 months ago2025 PUBG MOBILE WORLD CUP KICKS OFF WITH GROUP DRAW AHEAD OF ESPORTS WORLD CUP
-
Latest News3 months ago
Meridianbet Seals Sponsorship Deal with Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login