Gaming is a vibrant leisure world full of adventures, competitive quests, and relaxing pursuits.
However thrilling, we have to remember that global connectivity, with open communication, brings with it a variety of cyberthreats that can’t be overlooked.
In the last five years, more than 500 million gamers have had data stolen. Sadly, cloud-based platforms are full of people who don’t care about spoiling your fun.
These cybercriminals don’t care who they target.
So, whether you play casually or daily, it is important to understand what leaves you vulnerable to attack and how to prevent the worst.
Tip 1: Strengthen Access Points
Protecting your accounts with strong log-in credentials is your primary port of call for keeping your details safe. Weak passwords are a doddle for hackers to crack, giving them access to everything.
How to Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Passwords need to be a complex combination of multiple characters, numbers, and letters in both cases to give the hackers a harder time.
Never use anything easy to guess, such as your favorite in-game character, and remember not to use the same password on different gaming platforms.
Consider Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication asks the user for a second form of identity verification, such as a code sent via text message to an account-associated mobile or an authentication app.
Tip 2: Be Cautious Of Phishing Scams
You have to keep your wits about you in-game and out a large majority of cyber-attacks on gamers come from in-game chat phishing scams.
These deceptive chatters are vying for your personal information, so it is important to be able to recognize the red flags.
Phishing scams may also arrive to gamers by email and look like they are legitimate from game developers so you have to exercise caution.
Recognizing Scams
Unsolicited messages that ask for login details should always ring alarm bells. Though many will promise in-game rewards, it is probably too good to be true.
Any communications with links directing you elsewhere should be disregarded; the links may be malicious.
Always Verify The Sender
Official companies will not ask for your login credentials or payment information details via email or DM.
Although an email might look like the real deal, check the sender’s information and look out for misspellings.
If you have any doubts, go directly to the official gaming site to query things directly, and never open links from suspicious emails.
Tip 3: Stay Up-To-Date
Cybercriminal’s methods evolve and change all the time and as they manage to break their way in, software developers quickly update software to protect their users.
Update Everything
To stay protected, it is important to make sure that your operating system, and game clients, are updated regularly as well as any mods, or third-party software you use alongside.
Outdated software gives cybercriminals a foot in the back door.
Automate Updates
To make sure you are up to date without having to check regularly or plan ahead you can configure your devices and software to update automatically and stay patched and protected.
Tip 4: Secure All Networks
Multi-player gaming means transmissions over networks need to be kept secure. Unsecured networks such as public Wi-Fi are dangerous territory in which your data can be easily intercepted by any hackers lurking.
Avoid Gaming On Public Networks
Public networks are favored by malicious actors, they are an easy place to hijack traffic and make off with credentials. Use a secured home network where possible one that you know is not being used or monitored by anyone else.
Consider Using a VPN
A reputable VPN can help secure home and public networks protecting you in a variety of different ways.
What is a VPN connection? A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that hides your IP address and routes you via secure worldwide servers, giving you a safe connection.
It also works behind the scenes encrypting your communications data. This keeps your details protected from interception but safety isn’t the only advantage to a gamer…
As your IP is hidden, it also provides the added bonus of getting around geolocational restrictions.
Tip 5: Protection Through Monitoring and Caution
Protecting personal information also comes from staying vigilant and doing the right thing as a user.
Limit Sharing
The social elements of gaming require caution, never share personal inf in forums or gaming communities even among those you consider friends.
Check Your Activity
If your account is compromised, then you need to act fast; spotting suspicious activity early on comes from monitoring things yourself, so always check your activity.
Download From Official Sources
Any games, mods, or third-party software should be vetted in 2022 over 30,684 unique files were found to be masked as popular games, mods, cheats, and other game-related software. Many in pirated, cracked, and emulator copies so do the right thing and buy from official providers.
Conclusion
Although you can use tech to your advantage, keeping everything updated and using tools such as anti-virus software and VPNs, much of cybersecurity is in the hands of the gamer.
Caution and vigilance are two huge responsibilities if you want to enjoy your downtime playing online, and the strength of a password is always the number one priority.
By following the five tips laid out above, gamers can ensure a safe gaming experience. Happy gaming!
