Ubisoft, one of the world’s leading video game publishers, faced a serious cyberattack in December 2023, when hackers tried to steal 900GB of data from its servers. However, Ubisoft acted quickly and managed to stop the breach before any user data was compromised. The incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for robust security measures in the gaming industry.
The Attempted Hack on Ubisoft
Ubisoft successfully thwarted a hacking attempt that aimed to pilfer 900GB of data, including user information from the game Rainbow Six Siege. The breach was discovered 48 hours after the intrusion, prompting Ubisoft to promptly revoke the hackers’ access, preventing any substantial data theft. Despite the intervention, the hackers managed to infiltrate Microsoft Teams conversations, the Ubisoft SharePoint server, Confluence, and Mongo DB Atlas.
The investigation ensued following the disclosure by the research group VX-Underground, which shared screenshots hinting at the compromise of Ubisoft’s internal services. The hackers, in communication with VX-Underground, claimed their intention to abscond with Rainbow 6 Siege data but were thwarted before executing their plan.
This incident follows a recent ransomware attack where a group leaked 1.6TB of data stolen from PlayStation Studio Insomniac Games. Ubisoft’s swift action underscores the escalating threats faced by the gaming industry, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Ubisoft Takes Action
Breach Halted
As soon as Ubisoft became aware of the attack, it launched an investigation and contacted the relevant authorities. Ubisoft also implemented additional security measures to protect its systems and data. According to Ubisoft, the breach was halted within hours and no data was exfiltrated from its servers.
User Data Not Stolen
Ubisoft assured its customers that their personal and financial data was not affected by the attack. Ubisoft said that it does not store any sensitive user data, such as credit card numbers or passwords, on its servers. Ubisoft also advised its users to enable two-factor authentication and change their passwords regularly as a precaution.
The Impact of the Breach
Massive Hacks During the Holiday Season
The Ubisoft hack was not an isolated incident, but part of a series of massive cyberattacks that targeted several major companies and organizations during the holiday season. Among the victims were Electronic Arts, Capcom, CD Projekt Red, FireEye, SolarWinds, and even the US government. These attacks exposed the vulnerability of the digital infrastructure and the potential damage that cybercriminals can cause.
Importance of Cyber Security
The Ubisoft hack also demonstrated the importance of cyber security in the gaming industry, which is expected to generate over $200 billion in revenue by 2023. With millions of gamers around the world, the gaming industry is a lucrative target for hackers who seek to steal valuable data, disrupt services, or extort money. Therefore, gaming companies need to invest more in security solutions, such as encryption, firewalls, antivirus, and backup systems, to protect their assets and customers.
