Gamers’ Information Security Risks Awareness and their Actual Online Behavior

During the societal shutdown due to Covid-19, the gaming industry emerged as the biggest entertainment industry soaring in popularity among all age groups. Despite the growing popularity of online gaming, little research has examined how gamers perceive information security risks in these communities. This study explores the relationship between gamers’ awareness of information security risks and their online behavior within gaming communities. Applying surveys as the main research strategy, the data was collected through an online questionnaire form and semi-structured interviews with 3 online gamers analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings show that the more an individual(gamer) is knowledgeable about information security the more they are concerned and cautious about it and their actions. Similarly, the less knowledge they possess, the less they are concerned or cautious. Lastly, we can see that those with previous experience of an attack or risk were successfully able to identify the threat when faced with. These findings suggest that the level of concern and caution is directly proportional to the level of information security risks awareness and previous experience helps gamers identify threats and act more appropriately. This study highlights the need for more indepth research into understanding gamers perception of information risks and information security awareness programs tailored to gaming communities.

Recommended citation: A. A. Deng and E. Butkus, “Gamers’ information security risks awareness and their actual online behavior: An exploratory study of the relationship between gamers’ understanding of information security risks and their actual online behavior within gaming communities,” Dept. Comput. Syst. Sci., Stockholm Univ., Stockholm, Sweden, 2025.
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