Safe Gaming: 5 Ways to Protect your Devices and Data When Gaming Online
Secure gaming is something that cannot be ignored. It encompasses protecting your data and devices from online gaming-related threats, which have been on the rise with the growth of the online gaming industry.
Online gaming is a convenient stress reliever and a source of entertainment for many. In the past two years, there has been a significant increase in gaming platforms giving users a wide range of options to chase the thrill of playing poker, fighting battles, eliminating aliens, and much more.
The increase in gaming traffic has led to the launch of many online gaming sites like Sloto to allow users to play on the go. While the benefits of online gaming are many, it is crucial to remember gaming platforms are increasingly becoming a lucrative target for hackers.
Here are security tips as you enjoy your favorite online video and casino games.
1. Install an Antivirus on Your Device
Evidence shows the effectiveness of antivirus detecting malware stands between 90% and 98%. Antivirus software ensures your device runs free of trojans, ransomware, spyware, and viruses.
When your devices are infected by ransomware, it encrypts your data, denying you access until you make a payment. Trojans, on the other hand, operate like legitimate programs, and you will barely notice them. They will steal private data, which is later used maliciously by hackers.
There are many ways your device can get infected by malware when gaming online. It only takes clicking a spammy link, downloading infected files unintentionally, and opening spammy emails with attachments. Hackers also use free games to infect gamers’ devices with viruses.
Having an effective antivirus will protect your device from different kinds of malware.
2. Avoid Unsecure Public Wi-Fi
The beauty of online gaming is that you can do it anywhere, from your commute, to parks, cafes, and other public spaces. The risks of gaming online using public networks are many. Studies show that over a quarter of public Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted.
This exposes users to man-in-the-middle attacks whereby hackers position themselves in the communication channel and access data being transferred between two devices. This way, hackers can access your passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive data.
Some attackers impersonate a legitimate public Wi-Fi network tricking you into connecting, allowing them to steal your data.
The attackers can also connect to the same public Wi-Fi, eavesdrop using a packet sniffer, and collect data transmitted to and from your device. Hijacking is also a common security risk of using public Wi-Fi.
If you have to use public networks when gaming, there are several measures you can take to beef up security. For instance, avoid sharing sensitive data or logging into sensitive websites like your online banking platform.
Using a VPN service will encrypt all the information transmitted during your online activities, making it impossible for hackers and eavesdroppers to read data even if they access it.
3. Avoid Cheat Codes and Software
While it may be tempting to do something to reduce the cost of online gaming or avoid paying, avoid it; using cheat software or pirated games exposes you to malicious activities.
It will do you more harm than good. It is safer to make legal game purchases and interact with the games as developers intend.
Sometimes gamers have challenges graduating to the next level in games. Some gamers use shortcuts and cheat codes to move to the next level without spending too much effort on a game. Unfortunately, the cheat software often contains malware.
4. Utilize Multifactor Authentication
Most people consider multifactor authentication a buzzkill and will avoid using it if they can. While it seems like too much work, it is one of the best ways to protect your devices when gaming online.
Multifactor authentication adds a layer of protection to passwords. If your online gaming account or site offers multifactor authentication, do not ignore it; use it to make your account and sensitive information more secure.
It uses different approaches to authenticate you before providing access to the account and the information it holds. When you use a single authentication method like a password, anyone who gets their hand on it will access sensitive data with zero struggle.
Additional types of authentications like facial recognition and using a fingerprint make it harder for hackers to access your devices, accounts, and other sensitive information.
5. Update Your Software
Most gamers tend to ignore and postpone software updates on their devices. While it may appear harmless, it exposes your devices to security risks. Treating them with urgency will protect your devices from cybercrime, as bothersome as the update notifications are.
Device manufacturers and software developers roll out software updates throughout the product’s life. Failure to update your device’s operating system and other programs makes you vulnerable to cyber-attacks which can cost you a lot.
Software updates come with security patches that cover security flaws and vulnerabilities, leaving hackers with nothing to exploit. Note that hackers use the security holes to infect your device with malicious software.
Software updates lock hackers out, protecting your device and the data it holds and protecting business associates and other people you interact with online.
Conclusion
Successful cyber-attacks are devastating. They can cost you your reputation and money. If you are an online gaming enthusiast, you must take measures to ensure the security of your devices and data is beefed up.
Avoid public Wi-Fi, use multifactor authentication, install antivirus on your devices and do regular software updates.