The Best Practices for Secure Online Gaming and Esports Participation

If you ran a summer youth program 50 years ago, your biggest liability concerns likely centered around protecting participants from injuries, allergic reactions, and water-related hazards. Today, programs have one more big issue that is becoming increasingly relevant: cybersecurity. In particular, esports (also known as electronic sports, referring to multiplayer video games in which youngsters compete against other players) can open your participants and organization up to hackers. Whether the participants use devices you provide, or they bring their own gaming systems, they run the risk of encountering problems, especially if you grant them access to your network. While cybercriminals are becoming craftier every year, so are the defenses against them. The following are key ways you can protect yourself and the youth who participate in your program.

Key Takeaways

Cybersecurity has become a crucial concern for summer youth programs, especially those involving esports and online gaming.
Hackers can target program participants and the organization’s network, posing risks of malware, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Proactive measures, such as software updates, access control, and strong password policies, are essential to mitigate these risks.
Collaboration with security vendors and gaming safety organizations can provide valuable resources and best practices.
Fostering a positive online gaming culture and addressing issues like toxicity and harassment are also important for creating a secure and enjoyable experience.

Keep Software Updated for Cybersecurity

When it comes to gaming technology and esports, keeping your software up-to-date is crucial for maintaining robust cybersecurity. I know it can be a tedious task, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort. Those outdated apps and protection software on your internet-connected devices? They’re essentially rolling out the welcome mat for hackers, exposing your entire organization to the dangers of malware and ransomware.

Ensuring All Devices Are Up-to-Date

Before we let our eager young gamers loose on the devices, I make sure they’re completely up-to-date. If I’m not 100% confident in my tech skills, I’ll bring in a software consultant to give everything a thorough check-up at the start of the program. It’s the best way to ensure we’re not inadvertently creating vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

Scanning Participant Devices for Vulnerabilities

But it’s not enough to just safeguard our own equipment. We’ve also implemented a system to check the devices our participants bring in, making sure they aren’t unknowingly bringing in any dangerous software that could jeopardize our network. Gaming technology and esports is all about adapting to the latest trends, and that includes staying on top of emerging cybersecurity threats.

Approving System Access Strategically

Safeguarding your organization’s network is crucial when hosting gaming and esports events. The fastest way to invite a hacker into your system is to advertise your Wi-Fi password far and wide for anyone to use. As the organizer, my role is to protect the network – both for the safety of the organization and to shield the personal information of all the young participants stored in the system.

Limiting Network Access to Authorized Users

Instead of keeping the network open for all youth to use, I will only allow system access to those who have been approved. By limiting access to authorized users, I can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access and potentially compromising the network’s security.

Restricting Access Times and Approved Devices

Rather than granting unrestricted access, I will limit the participants’ network access to certain times of the day and specific, approved devices. This strategic approach helps me maintain control over the gaming and esports environment, minimizing the potential for liability issues that could arise from allowing participants to use their own devices on the network during unmonitored hours.

Gaming Technology and Esports: Implementing Strong Passwords

When it comes to safeguarding online gaming and esports participation, strong passwords are a crucial defense against cybercriminals. One common mistake people make is to use easily guessable information, such as parts of their birthday or address, in their passwords. Another pitfall is using a word that can be found in the dictionary, which makes the password vulnerable to dictionary attacks.

Avoiding Common Password Pitfalls

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that these types of passwords are susceptible to dictionary attacks that attempt to crack passwords based on common words or phrases. To create a more robust password, CISA recommends using a series of words with symbols replacing letters in some cases. For instance, instead of the password “football,” you could use “1LmGBp!” for the phrase “I love my Green Bay Packers!”

Utilizing Password Managers and Two-Factor Authentication

Using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters creates a password that is very different from any common word that could be found in a dictionary. Additionally, employing password managers and enabling two-factor authentication can further enhance the security of your online gaming and esports accounts. These methods make it much more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access, ensuring the protection of your participants’ personal information and the integrity of your gaming environment.

Logging Out of Apps and Websites Diligently

When it comes to ensuring the security of your online gaming and esports program, one of the most critical steps is to emphasize the importance of diligently logging out of apps and websites. This is a simple yet often overlooked best practice that can make a significant difference in protecting your participants’ personal information and the overall integrity of your network.

Supervising Participants’ Online Activities

Whenever young people are using your network, they should be closely supervised by staff members or volunteers who have been thoroughly trained in cybersecurity best practices. One of the most important things they need to know is that participants should never stay logged in to a site after they are done using it. It’s unrealistic to expect the youth participating in your program will remember to log themselves off every time, so empowering responsible adults to check and double-check on them is crucial.

Preventing Unauthorized Account Access

Just one indiscretion, such as a participant forgetting to log out of an account, could put one or more people at serious risk of unauthorized account access and potential identity theft or other cyber threats. By instilling this habit of diligent log-out practices, you can significantly reduce the vulnerabilities and exposure that can arise from careless online behavior.

Partnering with Reputable Security Vendors

When it comes to safeguarding your gaming technology and esports initiatives, partnering with reputable security vendors can be a game-changer. These specialized providers offer a comprehensive suite of data protection solutions tailored to the unique needs of video game development, virtual reality gaming, and competitive gaming environments.

Your ideal security vendor should offer robust credit card and bank account security measures, effective donor fraud protections, and advanced multifactor authentication to secure access to your game streaming platforms and esports analytics tools. Additionally, robust IP security protocols are essential to shield your network from unauthorized intrusions and maintain the integrity of your gaming engine architecture.

By carefully vetting and collaborating with reputable security vendors, you can elevate the overall cybersecurity posture of your gaming technology and esports programs. These partnerships provide access to industry-leading best practices, cutting-edge monitoring and reporting tools, and a deep understanding of the latest threats facing the competitive gaming landscape.

Investing in a trusted security vendor not only protects your participants’ sensitive information but also reinforces your commitment to providing a safe and secure gaming user experience. This collaborative approach empowers you to navigate the ever-evolving challenges of the gaming technology and esports industry with confidence, ensuring your players can focus on the thrill of competition without the worry of cyber risks.

Developing a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Policy

In a worst-case scenario, a cybercriminal could gain access to your organization’s network while youth are engaged in gaming or esports activities. This could result in significant damages, both for your organization and the young participants. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity policy that addresses the various aspects of online gaming technology and esports.

Detailing Access Protocols and Acceptable Use

Your cybersecurity policy should clearly outline the protocols for accessing your organization’s network, including who has permission, when they can access it, and what devices are allowed. The policy should also define acceptable usage guidelines, specifying the types of online activities and behaviors that are permitted within your gaming and esports initiatives.

Training Supervisors on Policy Enforcement

In addition to establishing the cybersecurity policy, it’s crucial to ensure that all supervisors responsible for overseeing the participants are thoroughly trained on enforcing the rules and protocols. This includes educating them on recognizing and responding to potential security threats, as well as guiding participants toward appropriate and responsible online behavior.

Conducting Thorough Background Checks

Not all threats to cybersecurity emerge from outside your organization. It could be incredibly costly for you if it turns out one of your gaming technology and esports staff members or volunteers is stealing students’ information. This is why you should perform thorough background checks on every person who will be working with your video game development program — both at the start of their employment, and every two to three years afterward. These checks will determine whether the candidate has ever been charged with a crime such as child abuse or cyber attacks.

Screening for Criminal History

Background checks aren’t enough. According to David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, less than 10% of sexual offenders are ever criminally prosecuted. This means that more than 90% of offenders have no criminal record to check. So, while you should certainly perform background checks for all virtual reality gaming volunteers, you need to take other steps to protect children, as well.

Evaluating Character and References

Those steps include asking applicants to submit a thorough application, provide references who can give you a sense of their character, and participate in an interview with you and others in your esports tournaments organization. By taking a comprehensive approach to vetting your staff and volunteers, you can better ensure the safety and security of your game engines, competitive gaming strategies, and augmented reality games participants.

Considering Cyber Liability Insurance

In the world of gaming technology and esports, where virtual reality gaming and esports tournaments have become more prevalent, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is paramount. As video game development and game engines power the competitive gaming strategies, the risk of data breaches and identity theft looms large. Augmented reality games, game analytics, and game streaming platforms have opened up new avenues for cybercriminals to target gaming participants and organizations.

Protecting Against Data Breaches

No matter how many protective measures you take to secure your gaming community, the threat of liability remains. Malware or ransomware could infiltrate your systems, exposing participants’ personal information to the outside world. Cybercriminals may even target young gamers, attempting to steal their identities through the communications they engage in during multiplayer games. This is where cyber liability insurance becomes a crucial safeguard.

Mitigating Risks of Identity Theft

Discussing cyber liability insurance with your provider is a wise step in protecting your organization and the gamers entrusted to your care. The cost of adding such coverage to your policy pales in comparison to the potential damages you could face if your cybersecurity is breached. Whether it’s the risk of game engine architecture vulnerabilities or concerns around esports analytics and the security of game streaming platforms, cyber liability insurance can help mitigate the financial and reputational risks associated with data breaches and identity theft.

Addressing Hardware and Network Concerns

When it comes to securing online gaming and esports environments, both hardware and network considerations play a crucial role. As participants often bring their personal devices to gaming sessions, it’s essential to ensure that these devices don’t introduce vulnerabilities to the network. By consulting with a K-12 IT administrator, we can determine what hardware can be safely integrated into the gaming setup.

Securing Personal Hardware for Gaming

Participants’ personal gaming devices, such as laptops, consoles, and mobile phones, must be thoroughly vetted to ensure they are free from malware and other security threats. This can be achieved by implementing a comprehensive hardware security protocol, which may include scanning devices for vulnerabilities, updating software and drivers, and restricting access to sensitive network resources. By taking these proactive measures, we can mitigate the risks associated with personal hardware and protect the overall integrity of the gaming environment.

Configuring Network Access for Gaming Platforms

Providing participants with unrestricted access to the network can expose the entire system to potential security breaches. Instead, the best practice is to offer controlled, limited access to the necessary gaming platforms and services. This can be accomplished by collaborating closely with the IT team to configure the appropriate network settings and permissions. By carefully managing network access, we can ensure that participants can engage in their gaming activities without compromising the security of the overall system.

Collaborating with Gaming Safety Organizations

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming technology and esports, collaborating with reputable organizations dedicated to gaming safety has become crucial. Organizations like the Dubuque Esports League have partnered with industry leaders such as Kidas.net to develop innovative solutions that protect young participants in online gaming environments.

Adopting Industry Best Practices

By aligning with these gaming safety organizations, you can gain access to the latest industry best practices, cutting-edge technologies, and comprehensive support systems. This allows you to enhance the overall security and well-being of your gaming participants, ensuring they can enjoy a safer and more fulfilling virtual gaming experience.

Implementing Monitoring and Reporting Tools

Collaborating with trusted partners in the gaming safety space also enables you to implement advanced monitoring and reporting tools. These robust systems can help you proactively identify and address any potential issues or threats, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming environment for all.

Through these strategic partnerships and the adoption of industry-leading practices, you can create a gaming community that prioritizes the safety and well-being of your participants, ultimately fostering a more positive, inclusive, and enjoyable gaming culture.

Fostering a Positive Online Gaming Culture

Beyond the technical aspects of cybersecurity, it’s crucial to cultivate a positive and inclusive online gaming culture for the gaming technology and esports, video game development, virtual reality gaming, esports tournaments, game engines, and competitive gaming strategies enthusiasts. This involves promoting sportsmanship and respect among participants as they engage in augmented reality games, game analytics, and game streaming platforms.

Promoting Sportsmanship and Respect

By setting the right tone and expectations, we can help ensure that competitive gaming, augmented reality gaming, game streaming, and game engine architecture remain safe and enjoyable activities for all involved. This includes encouraging players to congratulate their opponents, offer constructive feedback, and maintain a positive attitude, even in the heat of esports tournaments and competitive gaming strategies.

Addressing Toxicity and Harassment

It’s also important to have clear policies and procedures in place to address any instances of toxicity, harassment, or other negative behaviors that can undermine the gaming experience. This could involve implementing moderation tools, enforcing codes of conduct, and providing resources for players to report and resolve conflicts. By taking a proactive approach to fostering a positive online gaming culture, we can create an environment that supports the growth and development of esports analytics and game user experience enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Conclusion

Securing the online gaming and esports experience is essential in today’s digital landscape. By implementing best practices, such as keeping software up-to-date, approving system access strategically, utilizing strong passwords, logging out diligently, and partnering with reputable security vendors, we can mitigate the risks and create a safer environment for our participants. Developing comprehensive cybersecurity policies, conducting thorough background checks, considering cyber liability insurance, and addressing hardware and network concerns are also critical steps.

Collaborating with gaming safety organizations, like the Dubuque Esports League and companies like Kidas.net, and fostering a positive online gaming culture further enhance the overall security and well-being of our gaming community. By taking a proactive and multifaceted approach, we can ensure that our online gaming and esports initiatives remain secure, responsible, and enjoyable for all the participants involved in gaming technology and esports, video game development, virtual reality gaming, esports tournaments, game engines, competitive gaming strategies, augmented reality games, game analytics, game streaming platforms, competitive gaming, augmented reality gaming, game streaming, game engine architecture, esports analytics, and game user experience.

FAQ

What are the key ways to protect your organization and participants from cybersecurity risks in an esports program?

The key ways to protect your organization and participants include:– Ensuring all devices are completely up-to-date with the latest software and security patches– Scanning participant devices to check for vulnerabilities– Limiting network access to only authorized users and restricting access to certain times and devices– Implementing strong passwords, password managers, and two-factor authentication– Closely supervising participants’ online activities and enforcing strict log-out policies– Partnering with reputable security vendors to implement robust data protection technologies– Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy and training supervisors on enforcement– Conducting thorough background checks on all staff and volunteers– Considering cyber liability insurance to mitigate risks of data breaches and identity theft– Securing personal hardware for gaming and configuring network access for gaming platforms– Collaborating with gaming safety organizations to adopt industry best practices and tools– Fostering a positive online gaming culture that promotes sportsmanship and addresses toxicity.

Why is it important to keep software updated for cybersecurity in an esports program?

Keeping software updated is crucial because cluttered systems with unused apps or outdated protection software can become a playground for would-be hackers. Before opening devices for public use, it’s essential to ensure they are completely up-to-date. Hiring a software consultant to check devices at the start of the program can help identify and address any vulnerabilities. Additionally, you should have a system in place to check participant devices to prevent them from unwittingly exposing your network to dangerous software.

How can you approve system access strategically to protect your esports program?

To approve system access strategically, you should limit network access to only authorized users and restrict access to certain times of the day and approved devices. Keeping your network open for all participants to use can create a complicated web of liability that could come back to haunt you. Instead, carefully control who has access to the network and when, to protect your organization and the personal information stored in your system.

What are the best practices for implementing strong passwords in an esports program?

The best practices for implementing strong passwords include avoiding common mistakes, such as using parts of a birthday or address, or using a word found in the dictionary. Instead, CISA recommends using a series of words with symbols replacing letters, creating a password very different from any common word. Utilizing a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters is key. Implementing two-factor authentication and password managers can also enhance password security.

Why is it important to ensure participants log out of apps and websites diligently?

It’s important to ensure participants log out diligently because it’s unrealistic to expect youth participating in the program to remember to log off every time. Responsible adults should be empowered to check and double-check that participants have logged out to prevent unauthorized account access, which could put individuals at serious risk.

How can partnering with reputable security vendors benefit an esports program?

Partnering with reputable security vendors can provide access to data protection technologies, such as credit card and bank account security, donor fraud protections, multifactor authentication, and IP security. These vendors can help tailor solutions to your organization’s specific needs, enhancing the overall cybersecurity of your esports program.

What should be included in a comprehensive cybersecurity policy for an esports program?

A comprehensive cybersecurity policy should detail who has access to the network, when they have access, who will be supervising them while they are online, and how those supervisors will enforce the rules. The policy should also require supervisors to show participants what acceptable behavior and usage looks like, ensuring everyone understands and follows the guidelines.

Why is it important to conduct thorough background checks on staff and volunteers in an esports program?

Conducting thorough background checks on all staff and volunteers is crucial because it can help identify any criminal history, such as child abuse or cyber attacks. However, background checks alone are not enough, as less than 10% of sexual offenders are ever criminally prosecuted. Additional steps, such as asking for detailed applications, references, and in-person interviews, are necessary to properly vet individuals and protect the young participants.

How can cyber liability insurance benefit an esports program?

Cyber liability insurance is the best way to protect your organization against the potential liabilities that can arise from cybersecurity breaches. This includes the costs associated with introducing malware or ransomware, exposing participants’ personal information, or allowing cybercriminals to steal identities. The relatively small cost of adding cyber liability coverage to your insurance policy can be invaluable in the event of a serious cybersecurity incident.

What are the key considerations for addressing hardware and network concerns in an esports program?

When it comes to hardware, it’s important to ensure that any personal devices brought in by participants are secured and don’t introduce vulnerabilities to the network. Consulting with a K-12 IT administrator is advisable to determine what hardware can be safely integrated. For network access, the best practice is to provide controlled, limited access to the necessary gaming platforms and services, rather than opening up the network completely. This can be achieved by working closely with the IT team to configure the appropriate network settings and permissions.

How can collaborating with gaming safety organizations benefit an esports program?

Collaborating with gaming safety organizations, such as the Dubuque Esports League’s partnership with Kidas.net, can provide access to innovative technologies, best practices, and support to create a safer, more enjoyable gaming experience for participants. By adopting industry standards, implementing monitoring and reporting tools, and leveraging these partnerships, you can enhance the overall security and well-being of your gaming community.

Why is it important to foster a positive online gaming culture in an esports program?

Fostering a positive and inclusive online gaming culture is crucial to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. This involves promoting sportsmanship, respect, and fair play among participants. It’s also important to have clear policies and procedures in place to address any instances of toxicity, harassment, or other negative behaviors that can undermine the gaming experience. By setting the right tone and expectations, you can help ensure that online gaming remains a safe and positive activity for everyone involved.