Updated: October 10, 2024 by Michael Kahn. Published: October 10, 2024.
More of us are playing video games on consoles, PCs, and smartphones. The UK is the biggest gaming market in Europe. While it’s a great way to connect and compete, keeping your cybersecurity in mind means you can always keep things fun.
There have been reports of increased cyberattacks on gamers in recent years. These attacks often promise exclusive goodies or access in attempts to steal information and money.
Staying savvy can help you protect yourself when entering the fray. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie, follow these tips to level up your online safety.
Table of Contents
Secure Your Account
Your first line of defence for all your online accounts is a bank of strong passwords.
Complexity is key. Craft passwords that blend uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider a password manager to remember all your unique passwords so you don’t have to.
Next, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Even if someone cracks your password, they’ll need an extra code (usually from your phone) to log in. It’s a robust security measure offered by most gaming platforms.
Befriend Wisely
Online gaming thrives on communities. However, remember you could encounter people who aren’t just there for a good time. Be wary about who you accept friend requests from. Get to know who you’re playing with and keep strangers at a safe distance.
The online world, unfortunately, isn’t free from trolls either. If someone harasses you, don’t hesitate to report and block them.
Guard Your Personal Information
Your personal information is even more valuable than your favourite in-game loot. There’s no reason to reveal your name, address, phone number, or anything else that could identify you in real life. Your username, avatar, and in-game persona are all you need to join in the fun.
Also, consider masking your IP address to conceal your location. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can hide your IP to add an extra layer of anonymity to your gaming persona. VPNs assign you a new IP address by connecting to an encrypted, private server. This means your real location is not displayed, potentially deterring would-be bad actors.
Download From the Right Sources
The thrill of a new mod or hack can be tempting, but you should resist the urge to download from unofficial sources. These downloads can include malware that could damage your device or worse. Stick to official channels provided by the game developer instead.
Don’t forget to keep your operating system, game, and cybersecurity software updated with the latest security patches. These updates often include fixes for vulnerabilities that online attackers might try to exploit.
Implementing these measures may seem time-consuming, but it’s a small price to pay for a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience. Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from potential cyber threats. This way, you will be able to focus on what matters most: having fun and levelling up in your favourite games!
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
