Nine ways to protect yourself when gaming online
Meta: Make sure you stay safe when playing online games on your computer or smartphone by reading our top nine tips for staying safe while gaming online.
Most people nowadays like to play games on their computers or smartphones. There is such a variety of games that you can easily find a genre or a specific game that you like.
Whether you play first-person shooters like Counter-Strike, card games like poker or adventure games, you need to be careful of the dangers that lurk online.
Specific measures to protect you are essential, as they ensure that your information is not vulnerable to malicious actors. You can never be sure who is trying to access your private data or device, especially if you use public Wi-Fi networks.
Below are nine steps you can take to stay safe when gaming online.
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1. Use a VPN
Using a virtual private network, or VPN, creates a layer between your device and anyone who wants to harm you. Whether you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, connecting to the Internet at home, or using Wi-Fi at work or school, you’ll be better protected when you activate your VPN before gaming. Another advantage of VPNs is that you can improve your ping to game servers.
2. Install antivirus
Make sure you have an antivirus installed on every device you play games on. Such programs, which contain malware protection, ensure that you are not at risk of malicious programs or files being added to your device while you are playing a game. You should use such programs on your smartphone and computer, but they are not necessary if you play games on consoles.
3. Change passwords regularly
You need to create a password when opening accounts on various gaming platforms, such as Steam, Microsoft Store or the Epic Games Store. Take two precautions when creating such passwords. Make sure you don’t use the same password for all your services, while you should get into the habit of changing your passwords every few months. If you’re having trouble keeping track of passwords, use a password manager.
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4. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Many services now offer two-factor authorization every time you log in to a device you haven’t used in the past. You can enable this to ensure that if someone gains access to your game account, they won’t be able to log in and cause damage unless they also have access to your cell phone or email address. Two-factor authentication ensures that you don’t lose your accounts.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Even if you use a VPN, you should be very careful when using a public Wi-Fi network. Most experts say you’re a little safer using a public network that requires a password to log in. Using networks that do not require a password is a significant security risk, as anyone can access the network and attempt to steal information about other people’s data. devices secretly.
6. Use different email addresses
You should not always use the same email address when you sign up for different game services or when you use online stores to buy games. While such a step is more convenient, using the same email address can put you at risk of compromising your other accounts. If one service’s servers are hacked and information is stolen, using the same email address for all accounts can compromise your other accounts.
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7. Do not give information to strangers
Playing video games online is a great way to make friends, even if you don’t meet them in person. While casual conversations about games and other interests are not a problem, you should avoid giving too much personal information to anyone. Don’t tell people where you live, your full name, where you work or go to school, or anything about your family. Such information could be used against you or as part of an identity theft scam.
8. Use payment portals
Whenever you buy a game from a digital store, you should avoid entering your credit or debit card information. Such data can be stolen, especially if you use a Wi-Fi network without a VPN or if the service is hacked. What you need to do is use a payment portal such as PayPal to complete all such transactions.
9. Update devices regularly
Playing games on your mobile or computer is a lot of fun. To keep your device safe when enjoying your favorite games, you need to update it regularly. Make sure to install any updates sent to your device by the manufacturer or service provider.
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