The development of computer games has always taken into account secondary factors. If the first projects were created with pure enthusiasm, then already in the 1980s game-design studios had to think regarding how to combat content theft. The new digital product turned out to be not only innovative and interesting but also very profitable.
1980
Stealing someone else’s game, passing it off as your own and reselling it for triple the price was much easier in the 1980s than it is today. Back then, game software was only distributed on physical media. Fraudsters simply bought the original, copied it onto hundreds of floppy disks and tapes and sold it without the author’s knowledge.
It was at that time that copy protection technology was first introduced. It was not easy to realize it. In the first versions, such a security system implied blocking a special password. Without its transmission, it was impossible to run the game on another medium. In addition, some developers used special utilities that checked the originality of the media from which the game was launched.
1990s
In the 1990s, with the advent of CD-ROMs, pirates began using new copying techniques. Game developers responded with new protection methods such as “disk mapping”. This security measure required the user to insert the original disk into the CD drive before starting the game.
Some developers also used software that contained sophisticated encryption algorithms to verify the originality of the disk and protect once morest copying. These algorithms were quite advanced for the time.
2000s
In the 2000s, piracy continued to be a problem for the gaming industry. One method of protection that became widely used during this period was online authentication. Activation required the user to be connected to the Internet at all times.
When attempting to run the game, the application would establish a connection with a server that would verify that the appropriate license was in place. Some games also used additional protection, such as software-level copy protection, which used sophisticated encryption algorithms to prevent copying.
Encryption technologies were well exposed in online casinos that accept visa. Gambling clubs had to invest tons of cash to stop the influx of scammers. Today, scammers can no longer hack the profiles of players in licensed casinos.
2010s
In the 2010s, the gaming industry faced new challenges in the fight once morest piracy, such as torrent sites and file sharing. One method of protection that became popular during this period was online activation. The protection required the user to activate the game over the Internet before launching it.
Upon activation, the program contacted a server that verified that the game was licensed. Some also used additional software-level protection, such as Denuvo’s anti-cracking technology, which uses complex encryption algorithms and a reverse-engineering protection system.
Present
Nowadays, anti-piracy protection is a requirement for most games. Developers use various protection methods such as online authentication, online activation, and anti-cracking technologies to prevent illegal distribution. However, pirates continue to find ways to bypass protections, and the games industry continues to work on creating more effective protection methods.
Protection once morest piracy is an integral part of the gaming industry. Game developers use a variety of defense methods to prevent their works from being illegally distributed. However, pirates continue to find ways to circumvent protection, and the gaming industry continues to work on creating more effective methods to protect their creations.
Pirates stealing the software of computer game developers have moved to a new level these days. Now it is not just regarding stealing the product itself. Fraudsters can act on the orders of competitors and tarnish the reputation of companies. This is done through cyberattacks on user accounts in online games.
All large projects face such problems. This is explained by the fact that competition in this market is now high. A player who has lost access to his account several times in a row is likely to move to another site. That is why modern computer pirates can be compared to full-fledged hackers.
What do I need to know regarding modern cybersecurity?
In 2023, cybersecurity threats are expected to continue to evolve. Companies around the world will continue to face attacks from hackers, viruses, and other cyber threats. However, there are a few key trends that will shape the cybersecurity landscape this year.
First, artificial intelligence will become both a defense tool and a weapon for hackers. Many companies will use AI to monitor networks and detect anomalies. But hackers will also be able to use AI to automate cyberattacks and create compelling phishing emails. So the AI arms race will be one of the defining trends of the year.
Another important trend is the rise of attacks targeting supply chains. Hacking one supplier or contractor can give hackers access to multiple companies’ data and systems. Therefore, in 2023, organizations will focus on securing the entire supply chain from start to finish.
In addition, there will be an increased focus on data protection. Data leaks can be very costly for companies due to fines and loss of customer trust. Therefore, investments in data protection including encryption, access control and leak prevention will increase.
Attacks on mobile devices are also expected to increase. Smartphones and tablets are becoming a primary tool for many employees, but often have weak defenses. Attacks on mobile devices can give attackers access to the corporate network.
Finally, another important trend is the growing investment in cybersecurity. As cyberattacks increase in number and sophistication, companies are forced to increase defense budgets. Global cybersecurity spending is expected to exceed $200 billion in 2023.
To keep pace with new threats, organizations will invest in the latest technologies, such as AI and machine learning, and hire highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. An integrated approach to defense will become critical.
Thus, in 2023, companies around the world will face growing and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Countering them will require significant investments in advanced cybersecurity technologies and competencies. The top trends of the year will be artificial intelligence, supply chain and critical data protection, and continuous improvement of cybersecurity strategies.
