ESPORTS AND CYBERSECURITY: MODERN DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
Denysova Lolita, Lavrov Vitaliy · Sport Science and Human Health · 2024
Introduction. Esports, characterized by significant exponential growth in recent years, has become a crucial subject of study in the context of the overall dynamics of the video game industry. Simultaneously, there is not only an increased interest in competitive gaming events but also a rise in cybersecurity threats targeting the confidentiality of participants' personal data and the integrity of competitions. These issues pose a substantial threat to the stability and integrity of the esports ecosystem. The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze the contemporary digital solutions in the intersection of esports and cybersecurity. Research methods: the analysis of scientific literary sources and the Internet, generalization, systematization. Results. The substantial volume of lucrative personal data processed in connection with the participation of virtual players in tournaments with multimillion-dollar prize funds creates new challenges for ensuring confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access. Various types of cyber attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, hacking attempts, phishing, and the use of malicious software, using built-in execution proxies to run malicious code, masquerading as legitimate software, and software supply-chain compromise underscore the urgency of developing and implementing effective security measures. Particular attention should be given to proactive cybersecurity management, tailored specifically to the unique requirements of esports, aiming not only to maintain trust but also to ensure the sustainable growth of this crucial industry. Conclusions. Identified priority directions for the development of cybersecurity systems include aspects of access control with the expansion of authentication procedures, the design of secure systems, the use of cryptographic algorithms like OpenSSL, tracking and analyzing potential threats and malware, migration to cloud platforms that natively offer sophisticated security capabilities, as well as the implementation of cyber insurance. These measures are aimed at establishing a highly efficient and resilient cyber infrastructure, contributing to the enhancement of security levels and the development of the esports ecosystem.