It’s time to take safety seriously. Playing video games is a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, but it can also be quite dangerous if you don’t protect yourself online.
What are the best ways to keep your gameplay safe? Read on for tips and tricks that will help keep you clear of any dangers while playing video games (for a safe and secure business check this small guide)!
Understand The Risks of Gaming
There are many risks you can face when you play games online, but thankfully most of them are easily avoidable. You simply have to understand what kinds of trouble you may run into and prepare yourself accordingly.
The First Risk Is a Common One: Identity Theft
Sadly, it’s easy for people to steal your identity if they know enough information about you. This information can be found in your profile or conversations, or by hacking into your computer. Don’t post information about yourself online you wouldn’t want strangers to know – it can be dangerous!
Another Risk Is Even Easier to Prevent: Getting Hacked While Playing Games
This only occurs when you play on the same network that others do (such as at a friend’s house). If you’re not sure about security settings, just stay away from playing games over a network.
The Third Risk Is the Most Difficult One to Avoid: Getting Scammed or Hacked While Playing
This requires you to do everything in your power to prevent it. Keep personal information private, make sure your computer is safe, and don’t give out any information!
Protect Yourself
Now that you understand the risks of playing online, here are some things you can do to protect yourself while playing video games:
1. Protect Your Computer with Anti-Virus Software and A Firewall
This will make it harder for hackers to get into your computer and steal information or install malicious programs. An antivirus program will also protect you from viruses, which are often spread through games, especially if you get a demo from an unknown source. You can also protect yourself using a cloud-based firewall that will monitor your computer for suspicious activity and stop it before anything happens.
2. Use A Separate Email Address When Signing Up for Online Games Or Services
This will make it much more difficult for hackers to get into your real email account if they do gain access to the one you use for gaming. Never give out personal information unless you’re 100% sure that the service or game you’re joining is safe.
3. Don’t Store Personal Information Online, Especially Through Your Profile
Never give out any of your personal information to strangers, and only share things like passwords or credit card numbers with trusted friends or websites (not even official game forums!). This is the best way to protect yourself from identity theft and scams.
4. Have A Strong, Secure Password on All Your Accounts
Don’t use passwords that can be easily guessed by others (such as “password” or “12345”). A good password will include numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols. You can even put together a complete password that isn’t in any dictionary so that it’s even harder for hackers to guess. Password-protect your wireless router too!
5. Become Familiar with The Game Before You Play Online with Other People
You should know what kinds of characters and interactions are acceptable, so you can avoid getting scammed or banned from the game before you’re ever at risk. Search online for guides or review the game manual before you start playing with others.
6. Be Careful About Who You Talk to Online
Don’t talk to people you don’t know in real life and be very careful about giving out personal information. If someone starts asking for your password or credit card number, they are almost definitely trying to scam you! This also goes for any game that allows you to chat with other players.
7. Never Click Links That Come Up During a Game
If someone’s profile or avatar has a link to something and you click on it, there’s no telling where it could take you! The website might look like an official one but it can be fake and will steal your personal information if you let it. Always type any website address in yourself instead of clicking links that appear during the game.
That being said, we hope you have a great time playing online! Just make sure to be careful and always think twice before sharing any personal information about yourself. Protect yourself with these tips and share them with your other gamer friends so that all of you will be able to play in peace.