"42% of UK Gamers Have Experienced a Cyber-Attack on Their Account or Device"

Security researchers at NortonLifeLock conducted a new survey of 700 UK adults who currently play online games and uncovered some alarming trends around gamer-to-gamer cyber risks.   More than two in five (42%) UK gamers have experienced a cyberattack targeting their gaming account or device.  The most common types of cyberattacks affecting gamers included detecting malicious software on a gaming device (20%), having in-game digital currency, characters, or other items stolen (12%), and detecting unauthorized access to an online gaming account (12%). Of the 42% who experienced an attack, over three-quarters (78%) reported being financially affected as a result, losing an average of £145.  Nearly one in five (19%) hardcore gamers revealed they had been doxxed, a process in which their personal information was stolen and shared publicly online.  The researchers also found that over a quarter (28%) of respondents admitted they are at least somewhat likely to hack the gaming account of a friend, family member, or romantic partner if they knew it would give them a competitive advantage in an online game. Among hardcore gamers, this sentiment rose to 48%.  Around half of the participants use the same username (54%) and password (46%) for more than one gaming account. Additionally, 38% admitted using public Wi-Fi to play games online, 37% have shared personal information, such as names and birthdays while playing a game online, 29% have downloaded a cheaper or free version of a game, and 29% have downloaded add-ons from a website not associated with the game distributor.

Infosecurity reports: "42% of UK Gamers Have Experienced a Cyber-Attack on Their Account or Device"