New Book Exposes Cheating in Billion Dollar Virtual Economies

Business Wire, July 13, 2007

Exploiting Online Games, from Addison-Wesley Professional,

Explores Software Security Issues

INDIANAPOLIS & DULLES, Va. -- Online game security is a powerful indicator of software security issues facing us in the near future, according to Exploiting Online Games, a new book published by Addison-Wesley Professional. Co-authored by Greg Hoglund and Dr. Gary McGraw, Chief Technology Officer of consulting firm Cigital, Exploiting Online Games takes a close look at the controversial world of massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs).

Analysts estimate that the gaming market will be a $12 billion industry by 2009, as tens of millions of simultaneous, interacting online gamers continue to move into the mainstream. Exploiting Online Games explores how game companies invade personal privacy in the name of security, why and how some gamers cheat, and what's really at stake in terms of real money. For example, some virtual economies have per capita Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) greater than many small nations, and they host direct connections to the real-world economy with published exchange rates and trading. With this kind of money at stake, criminals can - and do - become involved.

Exploiting Online Games describes in detail the kinds of attacks and techniques used by hackers who specifically target MMORPGs, and how these attacks and security issues have broader implications for how business will use distributed software and face similar exploits in the very near future.

"Sophisticated hackers have been working the fertile fields of MMORPGs for years," says McGraw. "Cheaters have real economic incentive to break game security, and as a reaction, game companies resort to some downright scary 'security' tactics--from installing secret spyware to imposing strong-arm legal tactics. Our fervent hope is that this book will lead to more secure software, both in the game community and beyond."

Princeton Professor Edward Felten, the Director of the Center of Information Technology Policy comments, "If we are going to improve our security practices, frank discussions like the ones in this book are the only way forward."

According to Daniel McGarvey, Chief, Information Protection Directorate, United States Air Force, "Historically games have been used by the military to develop new capabilities and hone existing skills. The authors turn this simple concept on itself, making games the subject and target of hackers. Along the way they have created a masterly publication that is as meaningful to the gamer as it is to the serious security system professional."

Both Greg Hoglund and Gary McGraw are world-recognized authorities on the subject of software security. Between them, McGraw and Hoglund have authored several best-selling books published by Addison-Wesley Professional on software security including: Rootkits, Software Security, Exploiting Software, Building Secure Software, and Java Security.

About Pearson Education

Educating 100 million people worldwide, Pearson Education (www.pearsoned.com) is the global leader in educational and professional publishing, providing scientifically research-based print and digital programs to help people of all ages learn at their own pace, in their own way. Professionals, leaders, academics, experts, and consultants draft the books and online resources that help develop today's and tomorrow's business leaders. Top technology companies who have chosen Pearson Education as their publishing partner include IBM, Symantec, Cisco, Adobe, and Macromedia. The company is home to such renowned publishing and information portal brands as Informit.com, IBM Press, Prentice Hall Professional, Addison-Wesley Professional, Peachpit , Cisco Press, and Que Publishing. Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. In addition to Pearson Education, Pearson's primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, visit www.pearsoned.com.

About Cigital

For over a decade Cigital has enabled some of the most well-known companies in financial services, communications, insurance, hospitality, e-commerce -- as well as government agencies -- to resolve their mission-critical software business risks. Cigital clients are able to protect some of their most valuable assets: company information, customer data, shareholder value and brand. Each client's unique requirements are served through a combination of proven methodologies, tools and best practices. Cigital helps assure the reliable delivery and deployment of software that organizations build, buy and integrate. The company is headquartered near Washington, D.C. with offices in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles.

Exploiting Online Games, (ISBN-10: 0132271915) is available at major retail book stores and online booksellers. List price $44.99 USD. For further information, visit the following web sites: www.awprofessional.com/title/0321356705; www.exploitingonlinegames.com.