Online video games have been connecting people around the world for more than a decade now, creating vast networks of players sharing experiences and data with each other. But have you ever thought about your online security when playing? Who has access to your personal information, and can your devices and data be protected from misuse and fraud?
In this article, we’ll go over the most common risks of online gaming and explain how you can protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access or other online dangers.
Malware & Viruses
For competitive players, trying to be the best in a team is as natural as breathing. However, this competitiveness can lead you to seek unofficial add-ons and cheat codes. Other players or hackers usually create these without the game’s consent, so no one can truly verify their legitimacy. If you download sketchy files like cheats and add-ons, you risk infecting your gaming device with malware or viruses.
Malware and viruses are commonly spread through such files, and once they infect your PC or mobile phone, hackers can access your personal data and even take control of your device.
Phishing Messages
Phishing is a tactic where criminals send emails imitating an official figure, whether a bank or a reputable service, to trick you into taking certain actions. In online gaming, phishing emails can come from someone posing as a game developer or distributor.
By promising an update or a bonus, they might deceive you into clicking on their links or installing attached files. They can also ask you to share sensitive details about your gaming accounts, such as login credentials. Once you click on infected links, download malicious attachments, or share your sensitive information, hackers can take over the account or steal your data.
Unauthorized Account Access
Some gamers prefer easy access to their accounts. So, they either use very simple passwords or reuse their login credentials across all gaming platforms.
This approach is extremely risky because hackers can easily guess your password and access all your accounts, taking them over. Your account or games can then be quickly sold to others.
Protect Yourself While Gaming Online
If you don’t want to fall for any of the scams mentioned above, protecting personal information and gaming devices should be the top priority. Follow the tips below to keep your cyber hygiene in pristine condition:
- Keep your passwords strong and unique. Mix up random words with capital letters, numbers, and special characters when creating gaming passwords. Skip personal details that others might know—like pet names or your birthday. If this sounds too time-consuming, use a password manager for firefox, chrome, or any other browser you use to do the job for you.
- Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA). This security feature asks for both your password and a temporary code when you log in. The code comes to your phone or email, making sure it’s really you who wants to access the account. So, even if someone steals your password, they can’t break in without this second key.
- Avoid sharing your personal information. Don’t use your real name, birth date, or similar personal details as your gaming nickname, and don’t share this information with other players online. To check if your personal information is already exposed online, simply search your full name in search engines and see what appears. If you don’t want this information publicly available, consider using one of the best data removal services to help protect your privacy.
- Download games or other content from legitimate platforms. Avoid pirating and getting cheat codes or third-party add-ons. Try to stick to official sources for online gaming.
- Use secure payment methods. Instead of linking your debit or credit card to your online gaming account, use online wallets for more secure payments. This way, if a security breach happens, your sensitive card number will stay safe and won’t be exposed since the vast majority of e-wallets are encrypted.
- Turn on a VPN. When playing on a PC or mobile phone, cybercriminals can easily track your IP address and see your approximate location. In worst cases, they can even interfere with your unsecured network. A VPN will encrypt your connection, making all data unreadable to unauthorized users. Check out the VPN comparison table to find the VPN that is most suitable for your needs.
Safe Gaming is Key to High-Quality Entertainment
Gamers face various online risks, from deceptive messages to account breaches and malicious programs. But by staying vigilant and taking proper precautions, you can avoid dealing with viruses and scams altogether.
For that, use complex passwords, secure your network with a VPN, stick to official game downloads, and enable two-step verification on your accounts.
