How Can I Secure My Game Server?

Nowadays, game servers are exposed to different types of attacks like DDoS, virus attacks, phishing, and more. This can damage not only user data, but also the reputation of your project. Improving the security of game servers ensures the continuous operation of the service, as well as reliable protection of data and intellectual property. You can improve your security by using encryption and decryption, implementing authentication, and more. 

Why Should I Regularly Update My Game Server?

The first reason why you need to regularly update your game server is to fix vulnerabilities. All updates include patches for vulnerabilities identified since the last update. Delaying the use of these updates increases the likelihood of these cyberattacks occurring.

You also need to update your game server regularly to make sure you comply with security standards. Regular updates also help to maintain compliance with security standards and regulatory rules, which is key for business and user trust.

Are Game Servers Secure?

Game servers on their own are not as secure as they should be. Nowadays, there are so many different attacks that it’s hard to keep up. However, there are various safety measures you can take to make sure that your game server is secure. 

What Are the Different Types of Attacks Game Servers Face?

Currently, game servers are very popular among a huge number of users. Because of its growing popularity, game servers face a number of attacks. This leads to the need for developers and administrators to understand the nature of the threat and be prepared to protect servers. Here are the different types of attacks:

Distributed Denial of Service Attacks

Distributed denial of service attacks or DDDoS attacks exist to disrupt the stable operation of a server by sending a large number of requests to it from different sources. This may cause the system to overload and the server to be unavailable to authorised users. These attacks are long-lasting and therefore can be a serious problem for the reputation and efficiency of the game project.

Viruses and Malware

Viruses, spyware, and adware can infect game servers and are typically spread through compromised files or web connections. Viruses and malware are not only a major threat to the server's data security, but they can also be utilised to construct botnets for DDoS attacks.

Phishing

Phishing attacks are typically used to obtain users' data, such as logins and passwords, by creating false web pages or messages that look like official requests from the server administrator.

How To Keep Your Game Server Secure

Data security is a crucial aspect of any game server, especially if it involves sensitive information such as personal details or payment methods. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your game server to access, modify, or steal your data. Here’s how you can minimise the risk of the attacks:

Use Encryption and Decryption

One of the most effective ways to protect your data from unauthorised access or tampering is to use encryption and decryption techniques. Encryption is the process of transforming your data into an unreadable format using a secret key, while decryption is the reverse process of restoring your data to its original format using the same key. By encrypting your data before sending it to or from the game server, you can prevent hackers from intercepting it. 

Implement Authentication

Another way to secure your data on a game server is to implement authorisation and  authentication mechanisms. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of your users, while authorization is the process of granting or denying access to your resources based on their identity or role. By requiring your users to provide valid credentials like their username and password you can prevent unauthorised users from accessing your server. 

Apply Data Validation

A common source of data security breaches on a game server is the injection of malicious code into your data inputs or outputs. This can allow hackers to execute arbitrary code on your server or database, or to manipulate your data in harmful ways. To prevent this, you need to apply data validation and sanitisation techniques. 

Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software

Firewalls and antivirus software are a simple but vital technique to secure your data on a game server. Firewalls are devices or programs that monitor and filter your server's incoming and outgoing network traffic, preventing suspicious or unwanted connections or packets. Firewalls and antivirus software can help prevent hackers from accessing or destroying your server or data via network attacks or harmful software. 

Backup Your Data Regularly

A final but important tip to make sure your data is secure on a game server is to back up your data regularly. By backing up your data regularly, you can recover your data in case of data loss or corruption due to a server failure, a human error, or a cyberattack.