Page 106 - Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2022 Edition

• After the victim performs the expected response, the intruder takes the confidential information
by sabotaging the system, and when they are done, they remove any trace of evidence and close
all conversations.

Types of social engineering attacks in gaming

Phishing

When it comes to gaming, phishing is used to gain users’ credentials to take over gaming accounts. This
is the most common type of social engineering attack in gaming. Here, the attacker makes the victim feel
a sense of urgency or fear that tricks them into sharing confidential information. Phishing scams include
fake websites that have an in-game money generator or enter to win type games. To use it, gamers have
to login with their gaming account credentials. Once the credentials are shared, scammers are able to
access sensitive information related to the gaming account and the victim.

Gaming scams have become much more advanced. In games such as CS:GO, scammers have created
fraudulent stores where players go to buy weapons for the game. These stores look very real and deceive
gamers to take over their accounts and steal their money.

Baiting

Baiting is when the attacker sends a fake offer as bait and takes advantage of the user's interest or
curiosity. This may be done through offers to earn free Robux or V-bucks, in-game currencies. An
example of this is an offer for a free gift card or free software which then gives the opening for malware
to be downloaded onto their computer.

Cheat programs

Gamers everywhere want to achieve the best score or the best time, even when they aren’t formally
competing. Many gamers use cheat programs to improve their scores, however, they can get cheated
themselves. Cybercriminals create fake cheat programs which do the opposite of what the gamer
believes they were built to do. The fake cheat programs steal players’ data and can negatively affect
computer performance.

Malware & Unwanted software

Cybercriminals frequently distribute malware and unwanted software, most often on multiplayer gaming
platforms. Since a large number of gamers on multi-player gaming platforms are kids and teens, it’s
important that they’re educated on cybersafety. Scareware is an example of unwanted software. While it
has no benefit to the user, after being bombarded by ‘danger’ popups on their computer, the victim is

Cyber Defense eMagazine – December 2022 Edition 106
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