Online gaming is an international hobby with countless players. However, similar to almost all internet activities, it also threatens your privacy. Players frequently share private info without realizing it, making them targets of cyberattacks and identity theft. Below are seven methods to keep your online game privacy secure.
Keep an Eye Out For Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
Online gaming promotional offers like “deposit $1, get 100 free spins in Canada” sound tempting, particularly when they claim to work using real money with no risk. However, these offers are often traps designed to get personal info or cash. Scammers use such offers to get players to publish personal details or download malware.
Tip: Always confirm the legitimacy of any offer. Verify the promotion is accurate on the official game or casino website. See feedback and reviews from other players on the offer. If the promotion needs to be listed on the official website, it is most likely a scam.
Use Strong & Unique Passwords
Strong, unique passwords are an easy yet powerful method to keep your privacy secure online. A strong password utilizes a mix of letters, symbols, and numbers that other people can not guess. Also, avoid using the same password for several gaming systems or sites. Unique passwords also protect your other accounts should one account be hacked.
Tip: Use a password manager. These tools can create and store advanced passwords for you, so you do not need to remember each one.
Be Careful with Personal Information
Be cautious about sharing private info while creating profiles or interacting with online games. Keep your full name, address, telephone number, or financial info private. Sharing seemingly benign information like your school name or favorite places can expose your privacy.
Tip: Make one gaming-specific email address for your gaming accounts. You can do this to safeguard your private or business email and stay away from cross-platform compromises.
Set Your Privacy Settings
Most internet gaming platforms have configurable privacy settings. Take the time to understand and modify these settings to restrict who views your gaming activity, who sees your profile, and who can quickly contact you. Limiting access to your profile to friends or folks you know could enhance your privacy.
Tip: Check the game’s privacy policies or settings for cybersecurity purposes. Platforms often update their features, and being informed helps you keep control of your data.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) safeguards your gaming accounts. With 2FA, you must present two types of identification to access your account. That generally means putting in a password and a code sent to your email or phone. This makes it more challenging for hackers to access your accounts.
Tip: Allow 2FA on all platforms that support it. It adds another step to the login, though the additional security is worth every penny.
Watch Out For Phishing Scams
Online gaming scams are common. Such scams require players to input private information like a username and bank information. Be aware of emails or messages requesting personal information or bringing you to sites seeking your account details.
Tip: Verify the source before clicking links or even downloading files. If an offer is too good to be true, it most likely is. Official communication from game designers will never ask you for your password.
Don’t Share Game Accounts
Sharing your gaming account with even close family or friends can compromise your security and privacy. By sharing your login info, you have no say over who accesses your account and even what they do with it. This may lead to hacked personal information or unauthorized purchases.
Tip: Keep your gaming accounts to yourself. If family or friends wish to play, make them their accounts. Virtually all platforms have family sharing, so you can share your video games without compromising your account security.
The Bottom Line
While you are playing online games, privacy must be a primary concern. With essential tips, such as using strong passwords, being cautious with private data, altering privacy settings, utilizing two-factor authentication, and being careful of phishing scams, you can stay away from substantial privacy danger.
Your best defenses in the digital world are being informed and cautious. Happy gaming, and be safe online!