Online computer games have become a common trend with all people from adults to kids. The proliferation of computers and other devices like tablets have made online games vastly popular around the world (“Hackers Spread Malware via Children’s Gaming Websites – BBC News”). Many games are played online, over the internet, against other players using a computer or other modern devices. The threat of malware infection has been on the rise, especially among online gamers who are bombarded by constant ads on their screens. People who create Trojans and malware have targeted the online gaming industry since it is easy to spread them with the use of tabs and other applications that are attractive to the gamers. Websites like anywhere-games.com and gamefactoryinteractive.com have been discovered to spread malware (“Online Gamers Beware: Several Gaming Sites Found to Spread Malware”).
Malware sites involve mini-games and other flash applications that lure the, often young, players to click on them. Trojans can modify an app and upload the corrupted version to places like Google Play. Recently, PC world reported a Trojan that would execute and take control of an android device making it part of a larger ‘botnet’ (“Kaspersky Personal & Family Security Software”). Victims would not suspect the online game as the source of malware since it operated on a delayed timer. The best way to watch out for malware attacks is to be extremely careful with all downloadable apps and tabs. Before downloading, it is important to review an application as well as the developers to make sure it is safe. Another way to increase security with online gaming is to install a robust anti-virus software with real-time anti-phishing and scanning capabilities to deal with the sophisticated cyber-attacks.
I have downloaded updates to applications and games on my computer before. I ensure my safety by using a robust anti-virus software and double-checking all potential downloads for potential malware. It is important to learn the threats associated with malware attacks on any system to make people understand the gravity of the situation and be more careful online. Some of the games under the greatest threat of attack include Perfect World, World of Warcraft, RuneScape, and Zodiac Online amongst others (Shaw, Patrick).
WORKS CITED
“Hackers Spread Malware via Children’s Gaming Websites – BBC News.” BBC News, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-16576542.
“Kaspersky Personal & Family Security Software.” Kaspersky Lab United States, 2017, https://usa.kaspersky.com/internet-security-center/threats/top-7-online-gaming-dangers-facing-kids#.WM-Qz1WGNQI.
“Online Gamers Beware: Several Gaming Sites Found To Spread Malware.” Enigmasoftware.Com, 2017, http://www.enigmasoftware.com/several-gaming-sites-found-to-spread-malware/.
Shaw, Patrick. “Viruses, Malware Creeping Into Online Games.” PCWorld, 2017, http://www.pcworld.com/article/182542/viruses_malware_creeping_into_online_games.html.
