You can never be too safe when playing games online. Whether you’re a Fortnite eSports legend or simply playing some Candy Crush on your phone, knowing how to protect yourself online is crucial.
Below are nine simple and practical steps you can take to ensure you’re always safe, allowing you to enjoy your games stress-free.
1. Play with a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all your online traffic, preventing criminals from seeing what you’re doing online and also hiding your location by assigning you a new IP address.
Although some people are concerned that a VPN slows down a game, many games are VPN compatible, especially when coupled with a high-quality VPN with the latest security protocols.
For example, those who enjoy online casino games can turn to the best crypto VPN friendly casinos. These platforms prioritize user privacy since they are compatible with most VPNs and also allow players to deposit and withdraw using crypto, adding another layer of anonymity.
VPNs are important for those who enjoy multiplayer online games. An exposed IP address can result in DDoS attacks, harassment, or location tracking.
2. Use Strong Passwords
Smart gamers use complex passwords that can’t easily be guessed. A good, strong password should be a minimum of 12 characters long with upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Your password shouldn’t be a phrase or term that can be associated with you, like a surname or pet’s name.
Ideally, gamers should create a unique password for each of their accounts. Password managers are useful tools that not only store passwords for various accounts, but can also help to create complex passwords that can’t be guessed.
Password reuse, even if it is a super complex password, is a flaw many make and can result in breaches across multiple accounts.
3. Research Games
Most gamers source their games from trusted online stores, like the Google App Store or Steam. However, just because it is available on a trusted platform doesn’t mean the game itself can be trusted.
Before downloading any new games, read reviews and community blogs to make sure it is safe and legitimate. Even just a quick Google search of the game’s title can tell you a lot, as people will be quick to complain if a game is suspicious.
4. Say Yes to MFA
Two-factor authentication (TFA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a necessity in today’s online gaming world. Strong passwords are no longer enough. Most games or online platforms allow users to opt in for MFA.
This usually involves an additional step to log in to an account, like an OTP or biometric login, like fingerprints or facial recognition.
Most platforms now offer MFA in your account settings, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo. Enabling MFA will protect your accounts from scams and unauthorized access, issues that are becoming more common for gamers.
5. Install Updates
Setting your games and devices to automatically update will keep bugs and vulnerabilities at bay. Most devices enable automatic updates in their settings, and once the developer releases a new update, it will install without you having to do anything.
The biggest inconvenience is that you may have to update your device once the update has been installed.
Most software updates contain patches that fix security issues that have perhaps been exploited by hackers in the past.
Many cybercriminals tend to target players shortly after a new update is made available, hoping to target those who haven’t yet installed the update.
That’s why automatic updates are so important, for your PC, phone, consoles, antivirus software, and the games themselves.
6. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
At some point, if you’re playing multiplayer games online, you will be interacting with strangers. Even if you’re team is made up of friends, it’s not unusual for a friend-of-a-friend to join, or you will fight against opponents you don’t know.
Creating a username can be really exciting, but it is best if you don’t include any personal details in your game name. If your name is Brad and you’re born in 2000, don’t go create a username “BradIsAwesome2000”.
Instead, try a randomly generated name, like WeLikeDogs10 or AlwaysEatingPizza007. It’s also best to choose an avatar or random image instead of a photo of your face for your profile, so that you can’t be recognized in the real world.
And it should go without saying that you should never reveal your name and surname, date of birth, home address, or contact details when gaming online.
7. Check Privacy Settings
Once you get a new gaming device or download a new game, you need to immediately navigate to the security settings and see what they’re set to.
You should adjust them to ensure you’re comfortable with the level of privacy they provide. Don’t assume the default settings will be enough, as this can include sharing your data with third parties.
Adjust who can view your profile, who can message you or send you friend requests, and also what the developers can do with your data. It is a quick fix and will prevent you from being contacted without your permission.
8. Be Aware of Common Scams
There are many common online gaming scams that happen all the time, from fake links to phishing and spoofing. Most of these scams either try to trick gamers into revealing personal information, or the hackers are trying to make money off of the gamer.
Read the latest news and community forums to remain up to date with larger and local scams. The more familiar you are with the techniques used, the less likely you are to fall victim.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Block Players
If you come across another player who is behaving suspiciously, harassing you, or sending you strange links, you should block them and report them.
Any player who makes you feel uncomfortable, for whatever reason, can be blocked. Online bullying can negatively impact mental health, so it is best to stop it in its tracks.
Final Thoughts
It’s not unusual for online gamers to become the targets of attacks. That’s why it is so important to protect yourself online, including your personal information and your accounts.
The practical steps above will result in a safer gaming experience and allow you to play your favorite games without being concerned that you’ll be hacked or exploited.
