THE Philippines boasts a flourishing esports market, with a staggering 96.7 percent of internet users identifying as gamers, according to a recent study by VR.Space.
This growth has garnered support from both public and private sectors, solidifying esports as an official sport since 2017. Filipino esports athletes have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the international stage, exemplified by Sibol’s recent triumph at the International Esports Federation (IESF) 2023 event, securing a gold medal in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and a silver in Tekken 7.
The integration of mobile games with social media accounts for personalization, community engagement, and enhanced security through authentication, coupled with in-app purchases for gameplay enhancements, has revolutionized the gaming experience. However, these advancements also introduce potential risks. A mobile game attack could expose sensitive user identity and financial data to malicious actors.
According to The State of Web Application and API Protection 2022 by CDNetworks, a global content delivery network and cloud security provider, the gaming industry is the top target for denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Esports platforms, in particular, handle immense volumes of data, transactions, and a substantial number of concurrent users, making them prime targets for DDoS attacks. These attacks overwhelm the platform, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users and allowing attackers to extort victims.
DDoS attacks can also serve as distractions for carrying out additional schemes, such as phishing and malware attacks. Amidst the chaos of a DDoS attack, attackers may send convincing phishing emails with malicious attachments or links, tricking recipients into unknowingly downloading malware. These concerns are echoed by Filipino consumers, with 42.5 percent expressing significant worries about mobile fraud and malware ranking as the third-highest concern at 29 percent.
“Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to breach popular platforms and seize valuable data for financial gain. As game developers enhance their security measures, attackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” shared Yien Wu, Head of Sales, SSEA & ANZ at CDNetworks. “Developers must remain vigilant and anticipate emerging risks. Implementing top-notch cybersecurity prevention measures in mobile games is crucial to effectively address these concerns.”
Wu further emphasized, “Effective cybersecurity starts with optimizing an organization’s security infrastructure. This ensures both a smooth flow of legitimate traffic and continuous monitoring, both of which are essential for rapidly detecting and addressing suspicious activities, enabling real-time proactive defense against cyberattacks.”
Yien also stressed the importance of bolstering a platform’s resilience. This can be achieved by employing measures that enhance both the platform’s availability and its response time. High availability, achieved through strategies like load balancing, ensures consistent accessibility even under high traffic. Meanwhile, optimized response times minimize vulnerabilities by ensuring prompt system reactions to user requests.
“The government aims to establish the Philippines as a premier game development hub in the Asia-Pacific by 2028. To achieve this goal, local game developers must provide a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience with minimal lag or bugs. Prioritizing user data security and privacy is essential to maintain the platform’s viability and uphold the industry’s integrity,” Yien concluded.