Cyber criminals often target online gamers, using a wide range of tactics to steal their sensitive information and use it against them. If you’re an online gamer and want to enjoy your favourite games risk-free, you need to take the proper steps to protect yourself. So, what should you do? In this article, we’ll share seven ways to stay safe when gaming online.
Use strong passwords
The stronger your passwords are the less chance there is of someone hacking into your accounts. Use a complex and unique password with at least 12 characters and including letters, numbers and symbols. It might make it harder to remember your different passwords, but you could use a password manager to help you stay on top of this.
Check site reputation
The internet is full of dodgy websites, so it’s vital you perform checks before gaming on any website. If you wanted to find an online bingo platform to game on, for instance, you should start by checking the reputation of the website. You can do this by reading third-party reviews on trusted sites like Trustpilot, as well as by reading the privacy policy on the gaming website itself.
Don’t reveal personal information
Many online games involve playing or interacting with other users. But you can’t trust them just because you game with them. Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name with other users. You can simply use your first name and block any users who push you for more information.
Use a VPN
Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet traffic, which can prevent bad actors from accessing your IP address and other sensitive information. Many gamers mistakenly avoid using these because they’re afraid of slowing their internet speed, but this isn’t the case for the best modern VPNs.
Adjust your privacy settings
As soon as you start using a new gaming platform, website or app, you should check the privacy and security settings. Most people just use the default settings, but these are usually the least restrictive options possible. But if you check and adjust them, you’ll be able to make sure that the platform isn’t collecting and sharing data you’d rather keep private or doing anything else you’re not comfortable with.
Use a credit card
When making in-game purchases, always use your credit card instead of your debit card. Credit cards have more protections than debit cards against fraudulent charges, so they can help you keep your money protected while you game.
Update your software
Cyber criminals often attack by exploiting vulnerabilities in gaming platforms, computer programmes and internet browsers. But developers often release patches that fix security risks and keep you safe. This means that keeping all your software updates is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself.
Cyber-crime is an all-too-real threat in the world of gaming, and you need to watch out whenever you’re online. By employing the measures we’ve outlined above, you can enjoy your favourite games and stay safe at the same time.