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

More than two in five (42%) UK gamers have experienced a cyber-attack targeting their gaming account or device, according to a new study from NortonLifeLock.

The most common types of cyber-attacks 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 have been doxxed, a process in which their personal information was stolen and shared publicly online.

The survey of 700 UK adults who currently play online games also uncovered some alarming trends around gamer-to-gamer cyber risks. 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%.

Additionally, 43% of all the UK gamers surveyed said they are at least somewhat likely to exploit a loophole or bug in a game. A third (34%) admitted they would install cheats to their gaming account or devices, 30% would pay to take possession of another user’s gaming account and 29% would be willing to hack into the gaming account of a gaming player.

The report quoted ‘BigCheeseKIT,’ a gamer and Twitch streamer, who warned online gamers: “These findings are jarring, but there are some gamers out there that will do whatever it takes to win. I’ve learned that when you’re gaming online, ..

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