20 May 2025

Ultimate Guide to Penetration Testing for Game Studios and Digital Applications

Penetration Testing for Games, SaaS & Web3: Why Security Matters

Penetration testing is the process of simulating real-world cyberattacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. For game studios and digital applications, especially those handling multiplayer services, player data, or in-game transactions, it's not just beneficial — it's essential.

In a competitive digital landscape where threats are constant and downtime is costly, Cyrex offers best-in-class penetration testing services trusted by global leaders like Amazon Games, Improbable, and Tencent.

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing (also known as pen testing or ethical hacking) is a proactive cybersecurity measure where security experts simulate cyberattacks against your application, network, or infrastructure. The goal is to uncover exploitable vulnerabilities, logic flaws, and architectural weaknesses.

Key Types of Penetration Testing We Offer:

  • White Box Testing – In-depth testing with full access to source code and architecture. The most complete offering.
  • Black Box Testing – Simulates an external attacker with no prior knowledge.
  • Grey Box Testing – A mix of both.

Why Game Studios and SaaS Applications Need Pen Testing

Whether you're building an online game or scaling a high-traffic application, security threats are inevitable. Here's why Cyrex’ penetration testing makes a critical difference:

  1. Multiplayer Games and Online Worlds
    Online games are frequent targets for DDoS attacks, account takeovers, and cheating exploits. Our game-specific testing identifies exploits in matchmaking, player data access, microtransactions, and more.
  2. SaaS and Software Applications
    SaaS apps handling personal data, payments, and business logic require airtight API security, role-based access control testing, and business logic validation — all included in our methodology.
  3. Blockchain and Web3 Projects
    Smart contracts and crypto integrations need precise logic testing. We provide custom pen testing that covers traditional Web3 security and Decentralised Applications like marketplaces & staking platforms.

Our Proven Pen Testing Methodology

Cyrex’ pen testing services follow a rigorous, standards-driven methodology tailored to your product.

  1. Scoping & Objective Setting
    We align with your development, DevOps, and security teams to define goals — from login flow abuse to full API hardening.
  2. Reconnaissance & Enumeration
    Using both manual research and advanced tools, we map your system for potential attack vectors.
  3. Exploitation
    We safely exploit any discovered vulnerabilities to assess their impact and depth.
  4. Reporting & Risk Assessment
    You receive a detailed report with:
    • Severity-ranked vulnerabilities
    • Exploitation pathways
    • Remediation guidance
    • Screenshots and replication steps
  5. Retesting & Verification
    After you’ve addressed the issues, we re-test to ensure all vulnerabilities are fully patched.

Case Study Highlights

Nightingale

For Inflexion Games' gaslamp Victorian survival-crafting adventure, Cyrex conducted full-spectrum white box testing across Unreal Engine, live services, and critical gameplay systems — from matchmaking to realm management. Our work ensured secure portal travel, fair combat, and stable multiplayer experiences.

“Cyrex provided tailored Unreal Engine solutions and fortified dynamic PVE/PVP systems to support a secure and scalable launch.”

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Cyrex collaborated with Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. to harden this highly anticipated action shooter. Our Unreal Engine 4-focused testing covered shooting mechanics, reward systems, matchmaking, and cross-platform security.

“By identifying vulnerabilities early, we enabled Rocksteady to deliver a seamless and secure experience across PC and console.”

Wayfinder

Cyrex secured this PlayStation and PC Adventure RPG through rigorous white box testing of multiplayer RPCs, back-end APIs, and store systems, as well as party, dungeon, and battlepass mechanics.

"Cyrex's analysis of our backend and Unreal RPCs was comprehensive and invaluable." – Digital Extremes

Warhammer 40K: Speed Freeks

Our hybrid testing approach (security + load testing) simulated 100,000 concurrent users while fortifying combat, chat, authentication, and vehicle customization in this high-speed, PVP racing brawler.

“A game-changer. Cyrex helped us solve performance and security at scale.” – Caged Element

Gods Unchained

Immutable’s Ethereum-powered card battler was put through its paces with web client, API, and backend penetration testing, alongside rigorous load simulation of tens of thousands of concurrent users.

“Cyrex earned our trust through domain expertise and high-quality deliverables.” – Immutable

Not Just for Games: Scalable Security for Digital Products

While our reputation is forged in the gaming world, our penetration testing services extend to enterprise software, blockchain platforms, e-learning applications, web and mobile apps, and any digital product where security is critical.

Our team is equipped to test:

  • SaaS and B2B applications
  • Web3 and DeFi platforms
  • Mobile ecosystems
  • Game-adjacent platforms (launchers, marketplaces, API-driven services)

Why Choose Cyrex?

With over 10 years of experience and a team of 60+ seasoned engineers, Cyrex is the go-to cybersecurity partner for studios and companies building at scale.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Game-focused testing for multiplayer, metaverse, and blockchain
  • Tailored strategies for complex infrastructure
  • Manual + automated testing for maximum coverage
  • Clear, actionable reports designed for developers

How Pen Testing Enhances Your DevOps and Security Posture

Penetration testing fits directly into your CI/CD or DevSecOps pipeline. By identifying risks early, you:

  • Minimize technical debt
  • Protect production uptime
  • Strengthen compliance with GDPR, PCI-DSS, ISO, etc.
  • Improve player trust and platform reputation

FAQs: Penetration Testing for Games and Applications

What’s the difference between pen testing and vulnerability scanning?

Vulnerability scanning is automated and often superficial. Penetration testing is manual and strategic, simulating how a real attacker would breach your system.

How often should I run a pen test?

We recommend testing every major release, or bi-annually for live systems. For games, key moments include pre-launch, post-update, and new region rollouts.

What’s included in Cyrex’s report?

Our report includes:

  • Vulnerability list (ranked by risk)
  • Attack path visualizations
  • Developer-friendly remediation advice
  • Retest confirmation

Will it disrupt our live game or app?

Not at all. We align testing with your environment and often perform non-intrusive, low-impact testing for live services.

How is game penetration testing different?

Games often include non-standard logic, anti-cheat, P2P networking, and custom authentication flows. Our engineers are gamers and specialists who know how to break and secure what standard testers might miss.

Ready to Test Your Defenses?

Whether you're launching a live game or scaling a high-demand application, Cyrex helps you deploy with confidence. Talk to our penetration testing team today and uncover the security gaps before an attacker does.

👉 Get in touch with Cyrex’s security experts now