Ubisoft is probing a potential data breach as hackers targeted 900 GB of data. Insomniac Games resisted a ransomware attack, leading to the disclosure of “Wolverine” and “Spider-Man 3” details. The incident exposed personal info of staff. The video game industry has seen other cyberattacks, including leaks of “Grand Theft Auto” and theft of source code in 2021.
AT A GLANCE
- Ubisoft, the publisher of “Assassin’s Creed,” is investigating a suspected data security breach.
- Hackers attempted to take 900 gigabytes of data from Ubisoft servers but were stopped by the studio’s security team.
- Other major titles from Ubisoft include “Far Cry” and “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.”
- Sony’s Insomniac Games, known for “Spider-Man” and “Wolverine,” faced a ransomware attack last week.
- Insomniac refused to pay, leading hackers to release company information and details about ongoing video game projects.
- In a separate incident, hackers leaked videos of the next “Grand Theft Auto” installment in September, and in 2021, the source code of “Cyberpunk 2077” and “The Witcher 3” was stolen from CD Projekt RED.
Ubisoft Investigates Cyberattack After Attempt to Steal 900GB of Data
Paris, France – December 27, 2023 – Ubisoft, the renowned publisher of the “Assassin’s Creed” franchise, is currently investigating a suspected data security breach, marking another unsettling chapter in the growing trend of cyberattacks targeting the video game industry. This latest incident follows closely on the heels of a ransomware attack on Sony’s Insomniac Games, which exposed sensitive company information and game development materials.
Ubisoft’s Quick Response Thwarts Data Exfiltration Attempt
According to malware information website vx-underground, hackers attempted to steal a staggering 900 gigabytes of data from Ubisoft servers. However, the French studio’s security team swiftly responded, successfully repelling the breach on Thursday, December 21st. While Ubisoft remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the attempted attack, they confirmed the incident to AFP, stating, “We are aware of an alleged data security incident and are currently investigating.”
Ubisoft Not the Only Victim: A Pattern of Cyberattacks in Gaming
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of the video game industry to cyber threats. Just last week, Sony’s Insomniac Games fell prey to a ransomware attack, forcing them to grapple with the emotional and financial fallout. Hackers not only stole sensitive company information but also leaked confidential materials related to highly anticipated titles like “Wolverine” and “Spider-Man 3.”
Insomniac expressed their outrage and sadness in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “We’re both saddened and angered about the recent criminal cyberattack on our studio and the emotional toll it’s taken on our dev team.” The attack also compromised personal data of past and present employees, adding another layer of distress to the situation.
Shadow of Past Breaches Looms Large
Ubisoft and Insomniac are far from the first gaming companies to face such cyberattacks. In September, hackers released leaked footage of the next “Grand Theft Auto” installment, developed by Rockstar Games. This incident underscored the potential for sensitive pre-release materials to be compromised, causing significant disruption and frustration for developers and fans alike.
Perhaps the most severe attack in recent memory occurred in 2021 when hackers stole the source code of CD Projekt RED’s critically acclaimed titles, “Cyberpunk 2077” and “The Witcher 3.” This blatant theft of intellectual property dealt a major blow to the Polish developer, highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of such cyberattacks.
Ubisoft Investigation Ongoing, Full Scope Unclear
While Ubisoft’s swift response prevented a full-blown data breach, the investigation into the incident is still ongoing. The nature of the targeted data, the identity of the attackers, and any potential consequences for Ubisoft and its customers remain shrouded in uncertainty.
Industry Calls for Heightened Security Measures
This string of cyberattacks underscores the urgent need for the video game industry to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures. Companies must invest in advanced security solutions, train their employees in cyber awareness, and implement stricter data protection protocols.
A Call for Vigilance and Collaboration
As the video game industry continues to grapple with the evolving threat landscape, vigilance and collaboration are paramount. Sharing information about cyberattacks, implementing industry-wide security standards, and fostering closer cooperation with law enforcement agencies can help mitigate the risks and build a more resilient gaming ecosystem.
With the investigation into the Ubisoft incident still ongoing, the full picture of this attempted data breach and its potential impact remains unclear. However, one thing is certain: the video game industry must take decisive action to fortify its defenses and protect its players, developers, and valuable intellectual property from the ever-present threat of cyberattacks.
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Source(s): Tech Xplore
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