With esports events often involving large-scale digital infrastructure, surveillance has become a key component of competitive gaming. Gaming organizations and tournament hosts use various tracking tools to detect cheating and enforce fair play. While these measures are necessary, they can also create vulnerabilities if sensitive data is mishandled.
However, increased monitoring can also pose risks for the wider audiences both in real life and online. According to the blog post from Private Internet Access, surveillance isn’t just happening in public spaces, it extends into online environments as well.
Esports players are among those being monitored, and in some cases, excessive tracking of their activities may expose them to additional security threats.
If hackers gain access to these monitoring systems, they could exploit them to gather private information about players, including their gaming habits, login credentials, and even location data.
Protecting Against Malware and Cyber Threats
Esports players are frequent targets of cyberattacks because of their online presence and valuable digital assets. Hackers use different methods to gain access to accounts, financial information, and in-game items. Players need to take security seriously to prevent data breaches, unauthorized logins, and financial loss.
Using a strong password makes an account harder to hack, but it is not always enough to keep it safe. Two-factor authentication helps by adding a second step when logging in.
Online security is even more important when using public networks. Esports players often travel for tournaments and need internet access in hotels, airports, and event venues. Public Wi-Fi networks are common targets for cybercriminals because they are not always secure. Attackers can intercept data and monitor online activity without the user knowing.
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, helps protect against these risks. A VPN encrypts internet traffic so that personal information and login details are not exposed. It hides the player’s location and makes it harder for attackers to track online behavior. This is especially important for those who frequently compete in international tournaments and need to connect from different locations.
The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks in Esports
Esports has turned into a multi-billion-dollar industry with professional players gaining large followings and competing for high prize money. This level of exposure attracts cybercriminals who see gaming accounts and personal data as valuable targets.
Gaming profiles and social media accounts are another major target. Professional players rely on their online presence for sponsorships, streaming revenue, and tournament invites. Losing access to these accounts can result in financial losses and reputational damage. Hackers sometimes take over a player’s account to demand a ransom or use it to scam fans.
Compared to casual gamers, professional players have more at stake. Their accounts contain valuable gaming assets like in-game currency, skins, and collectibles in popular games like Valorant, that can be sold on third-party markets, unlike official channels like Riot Games. Hackers know that targeting well-known players can lead to greater rewards.
How Malware Targets Esports Players
Malware attacks against esports players often take advantage of the digital environments they frequently engage with. Cybercriminals exploit software vulnerabilities, fake game mods, and even direct hacking attempts to gain access to a player’s system.
Streaming platforms and gaming communities also pose risks. Attackers often distribute malware disguised as sponsorship opportunities, game cheats, or exclusive content. Players downloading files from untrusted sources risk infecting their devices with keyloggers or ransomware.
Mobile gamers, especially those using devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, are also at risk, as cybercriminals develop malware specifically targeting mobile operating systems.
