Whether you’re into multiplayer first-person shooters (FPS), online poker, slots, massively-multiplayer role-playing games (MMO RPGs) or whatever other type of online game, you need to be aware of the associated risks.
From downloading classic games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare to creating accounts for an online MMO RPG, poker table, or other platform, all online gaming activities come with cybersecurity risks.
And if you don’t actively protect yourself, it can be much easier for hackers to steal your data and use it for whatever nefarious purpose.
So, before you jump into your favorite online game, here are some tips to protect yourself from hackers and other cybersecurity risks.
Keep your passwords secure
Password security continues to be a top-of-mind concern for individual web users and online enterprises alike. Online gamers in particular are especially at risk due to the need for passwords for online accounts.
Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your passwords secure as well as observe other password hygiene habits.
This includes changing passwords on a monthly basis, never using personal details when creating new passwords, and using keyboard characters as randomly as possible.
As an online gamer, your own ability to observe password hygiene is your first line of cyber defense.
Also Read: Best Entertainment Apps To Download On Windows 10
Protect your device from malware and viruses
The term malware applies to a wide range of malicious applications deployed by hackers on the web. In the world of online gaming, malware exists mostly as compromised software or patches that allow hackers to bypass typical security measures in games and online databases.
Clicking on malicious links, downloading anything, and even just spending a long time on certain sites can make your device vulnerable to malware and viruses. Thankfully, anti-malware software can protect you from these attacks.
While they’re not always free, investing in malware protection and removal software is a simple and straightforward way to stay safer online.
Secure your identity with an IRS IP PIN
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now issues an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) for any citizen who requests it. This service is part of the IRS’ efforts to curb tax fraud, as your IP PIN will be confidential.
As a result the IRS can use it to confirm your identity should you or anyone else start processing taxes in your name. So, even if hackers do get pass your security measures, they still won’t be able to steal your identity without this number.
This is why it’s increasingly becoming a popular option for gamers with virtual poker/casino accounts or MMO RPG avatars that play and trade digital assets for real money online.
In fact, as well as being useful when playing online poker for real money, an IRS IP PIN is also beneficial for any other online interactions like banking or trading. As long as you keep your IRS IP PIN secure, you can write off tax fraud from your list of cybersecurity worries.
Also Read: Game Booster V4.0.68.0 Free Download
Only download from safe sources
You can rest assured that the free games you can download are safe and free from malware, viruses, and other compromising content. But we can’t say the same for any other website, blog, or gaming platform out there.
When you’re downloading a full game, patch, mod, or expansion, it’s important to closely ascertain whether or not the source is safe and secure. For starters, check the URL if it has the lock icon, which indicates secure and encrypted data transfer.
If downloading from gaming companies, make sure that the URL is correct and not a duplicate that’s slightly different from the official name, which is a red flag when looking for dubious phishing sites.
Keep yourself up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity news in your chosen online gaming genre or sector. And if you follow all of the aforementioned security tips, you will ensure that hackers don’t hijack your online gaming.
Subscribe
0 Comments
Comments