VAPT for a Game-Designing Company

Challenges

Dynamic and Complex Infrastructure:
- The game-designing company operated on a cloud-based infrastructure with a mix of web applications, APIs, mobile platforms, and multiplayer game servers.
Data Sensitivity:
- Protection of user data, including personal information and in-game transactions, was critical due to stringent global privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Frequent Updates and Expanding Features:
- Regular software updates and the addition of new features often introduced vulnerabilities that were hard to track.
Threat of Cyberattacks:
- The company faced risks such as DDoS attacks, cheat-code injections, and exploits targeting multiplayer environments.
Resource Constraints:
- Limited in-house cybersecurity expertise made it challenging to conduct comprehensive security assessments.

Comprehensive VAPT Engagement:
- Engaged external experts to conduct both vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, focusing on critical assets, including:
  - Game servers
  - APIs for in-game purchases
  - Web application portals
  - Multiplayer matchmaking systems
Customized Testing Methodology:
- Adopted a phased approach:
  - Phase 1: Static Application Security Testing (SAST) for code-level vulnerabilities.
  - Phase 2: Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for runtime vulnerabilities.
  - Phase 3: Network and Infrastructure Penetration Testing to identify configuration flaws and weak points.
Simulated Attack Scenarios:
- Conducted realistic attack scenarios, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and privilege escalation, to uncover hidden risks.
Collaboration with Developers:
- Worked closely with the development and DevOps teams to remediate vulnerabilities and establish secure coding practices.
Implementation of Continuous Monitoring:
- Integrated VAPT findings into a continuous monitoring strategy to ensure ongoing security.

Identification of Key Vulnerabilities:
- Discovered and patched critical vulnerabilities, such as API key exposure and unvalidated user inputs.
- Mitigated risks of unauthorized access to game servers.
Enhanced Security Posture:
- Reduced the attack surface by 60%, strengthening overall defenses.
- Established a robust incident response mechanism for potential threats.
Improved User Trust:
- Demonstrated compliance with security standards, enhancing the company’s reputation among gamers and stakeholders.
Long-Term Benefits:
- Implemented secure development lifecycle (SDLC) practices, ensuring future applications were built with security in mind.
- Achieved significant cost savings by addressing vulnerabilities before they could be exploited.