10 security tips every online player needs to know
In the vast territory of online games, there are hidden dangers that can threaten not only your in-game character but also your personal safety and that of your devices. To give you an idea, in 2022, more than 380 thousand people were victims of scams involving games. Cybercriminals have used the names of famous Online games, such as Roblox, FIFA, Minecraft, and Resident Evil, for criminal strategies that range from creating pages that imitate the interface of official stores or websites that imitate game installations, to promoting false advertisements. that promise benefits in games.
By gaining the online player’s attention and trust, criminals take the opportunity to steal data. This is when the fun experience of playing online games can become a huge headache.
With this scenario in mind, we have put together 10 safety tips that every gamer needs to know – and put into practice! – to protect yourself while playing. Check out!
1. Maintain anonymity
Before venturing into any online games, it’s worth thinking about creating a pseudonym, a username that doesn’t reveal your personal information. Avoid using your real name or personal details in your profile. The less other players know about you, the less vulnerable you are.
2. Use strong passwords
Yes, we know that in the reality full of logins that we currently live in, decorating passwords is a challenge, leading many people to use easy and/or the same passwords on all platforms. But in the event of a leak, have you ever imagined the damage this practice could cause?
Create complex passwords for your game accounts. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common passwords and never share your password with other players. And consider using a password manager to keep all your credentials safe.
3. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an additional layer of security to your account, requiring an extra code in addition to the password to access it. When doing this, even if someone gets your password, they will need a code that only you will have access to.
4. Beware of suspicious links
Avoid clicking on links sent by other players, especially if you don’t know them personally. Scammers often try to trick players with malicious links that can infect your system with malware. Be cautious and check the source before clicking.
5. Don’t share personal information
This tip may seem obvious, but believe me, cybercriminals change their strategy constantly and, if you don’t have an antivirus that identifies the security of the page, it can be difficult to identify whether a platform is safe or not.
Therefore, before entering your real name, address, telephone number, or other sensitive information on any website, use a checking tool – and never share this data with other players!
6. Protect your device with antivirus
One of the most effective ways to keep your system safe is to use a reliable antivirus such as those offered by Kaspersky. They not only detect but also neutralize cyber threats, ensuring your PC or console stays safe while you play.
7. Browse securely using a VPN
This is another valuable tip: a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a strategic tool for protecting your privacy online. Among Kaspersky’s solutions, for example, it is possible to have access to VPN systems that encrypt your connection, hiding your IP address and protecting your data from prying eyes. This feature is even more necessary if you play on public networks, such as in cafes, shared environments, or hotels.
8. Update your software regularly
Keeping your operating system, browsers, and other programs updated is essential to patching vulnerabilities known to developers.
By relying on a complete antivirus tool, like Kaspersky, it is also possible to maintain automatic updates while blocking malware, viruses, ransomware, and spy applications – so you can be sure that you are always fully protected, even if some platform you trust suffers attacks.
9. Be aware of Privacy Settings
It’s tempting to accept privacy policies without reading them, we understand, but data sharing via platforms and applications has gone further and further. It is not uncommon to find news of data leaks that should be protected by development companies.
Therefore, whenever you play online, check the game’s privacy settings and adjust them according to your preferences. This may include restricting who can join your game or who can communicate with you.
10. Continuously educate yourself and stay aware of news and new scams
Staying up to date on the latest cybercriminal threats and tactics is essential. As a last tip, we recommend following news and tips published by trusted channels, such as Voxel, and also updates from security companies, such as the Kaspersky blog, to stay informed about the best security practices.
Protecting your personal information while playing online is critical to winning the game on and off-screen. By following these tips and having security tools, you can enjoy your virtual adventures with peace of mind.
