Online gaming is fun as it keeps people entertained for long! But it also has a dark side because it is a space where cyber criminals inject malware into your devices. All of us like to win the game, but that urge to win is costing us our privacy.
Gone are the days when you played games safely. Today not every game is safe because hackers use gaming platforms for their malicious activities. Therefore, you need to be diligent while you are playing online games!
If you are looking for ways to stay safe while playing games, then you are at the right place. Let’s dive in!
Tips to Stay Safe While Playing Online Games
We have curated a list of tips that you can use to stay safe while you play games.
We get too excited when we are playing games and end up sharing our personal information. Always remember that the people you interact with during online games are not your friends. You should also avoid using your real name and not add any confidential information. Online gaming platforms cannot be trusted because hackers can use your credentials to inject malware into your devices.
Use Antivirus and Firewall
This is the most basic step that you can take to protect your computers. Hackers use advanced tools like bots and secret codes that catch vulnerable devices. Therefore, you should use a firewall to secure your devices. Navigate your security panel and make sure the firewall is set to “on.” However, sometimes hackers use the latest technology to break in, so you should also use antivirus software. This will enhance your cybersecurity because even if the hacker manages to install malware, it will not be successfully installed. A good antivirus solution will detect and delete viruses before you even get to know about it.
If you do not have antivirus software, then you can ask your internet service provider for that. Most ISPs offer security suites to enhance your cyber security and retain customers. You can take the example of HughesNet as it offers one of the most secure antivirus solutions to its customers, “Norton 360 Deluxe.” It is a powerful security software that offers layers of protection, so your device remains safe from viruses. If you are looking for a reliable internet provider near you, then HughesNet can be your safest bet! Its support team will guide you about its security features in detail.
Avoid Clicking Links
Cybercriminals know that gamers tend to be excited while playing games! Therefore, they try to entice them by clicking links or downloading attachments in exchange for cheats and hacks. This way, your device is hacked within no time, and you lose your sensitive data in seconds.
Always Use Secure Wi-Fi
No matter how bored you are, do not start playing games on public Wi-Fi networks. They are not secure, and hackers can steal your data if you use an unsecured network. As people do not know about the source, hackers take advantage of this fact, and when they access unreliable internet games, their devices get exposed to several vulnerabilities. So, be careful and always use a secure Wi-Fi connection.
Play Original Games
Hackers have created pirated versions of some famous games to trick users into downloading malware. No matter how excited you are to play a game, you should never use its pirated version. Always purchase the game or download it from its original website to stay safe.
Check Game Ratings
Do not download any game after checking its description. Always check its rating or reviews. Our advice is to search for the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) to ensure that it is age appropriate and safe to be played. This will help you understand whether you should download the game or not.
Stay Aware of the Updates
Most of the time, we all ignore new updates. This is a serious issue that people should take note of. The developers roll out updates to eliminate the security loopholes of the software. They continue to identify the bugs and manage to secure them. This is the reason you should never ignore the essential updates. As hackers look for vulnerabilities and immediately attack the vulnerable ones.
To End Things Off
Whether you are a professional gamer or a casual one, you should always be diligent about your internet security. We know that gaming can be addictive, but that does not mean you should neglect your privacy. Always be careful about what you share with your gaming friends and which games you play. You can use the tips mentioned above to ensure you do not end up doing anything that can put your privacy at stake.
