There are currently an estimated 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, and, as people continue to engage with others in the digital realm for fun solo or multi-player entertainment experiences, the industry is only expected to grow exponentially in the next few years. Many gaming activities are also free to play on PCs as well as mobile devices, so it makes the option that much more attractive.
However, as more and more users take to the internet for online gaming, there is a higher potential for threats such as unwanted hacking, theft, and fraud. Below we’ll review five best ways to keep your gaming sessions safe.
Only visit the most reputable sites
A useful tip that can be used for internet surfing across the board is only to visit sites that are well-known, reputable, and reliable. When it comes to online gaming, there are thousands of platforms, and because it is impossible that each of them offers the same type of dependable experience for their users, the selective choice is a must.
For example, the online poker business is booming as it continues to allow people to experience an interactive activity with no travel needed. Because there are many benefits associated with playing poker online, such as no commute, live dealers, and a range of game variants, more and more people are flocking to the digital realm. This could potentially cause more exposure to harmful sites. However, if users do their research before signing up, they will be able to find online gaming platforms that not only fit their needs, but also ensure the safety and security of each of their participants.
Don’t give away too much personal information.
Although gaming online has been known to connect users with other fellow gamers, you should never provide personal information to anyone online, even if you have developed a trusting relationship. Why is this? Well, for starters, although you may personally believe that someone would never share your data, you never know if that information could be potentially reached one day through hacking or another outlet. If you see this happening on other platforms or discussion forums, like the popular site Reddit, you may want to report it. The bottom line: if it feels risky, it probably is.
Choose a strong username and password.
Do you ever get annoyed or frustrated with a site continually rejecting your weak username or password? Well, you may want to feel grateful the next time it happens, as these platforms know that easy or simple login details are more commonly hacked than others. Cybercriminals can access your information without a struggle if you use personal information like birthplace, birthdate, name, or even nicknames. At the end of the day, a good hacker knows how to breach even the strongest passwords. However, you should always attempt to use numbers and special characters over apparent letter combinations.
Purchase the best in anti-virus software
No matter how much time you spend gaming, investing in a reliable anti-virus software package for your computer can be hugely beneficial for the overall long-term health of your operating system. Programs like Bitdefender and Panda Free Antivirus help ward off malware that may be highly harmful. At the end of the day, you are the one who has the power to invest in your device. You may never know when a threat is coming, but you can do everything order to prevent on in the first place.
Take breaks in between sessions.
An obvious but handy tip, taking 5-10-minute breaks every hour from the screen can go a longer way than you may think. A tired mind is a mind that is less attentive and cautious, so giving yourself the relaxation you need will improve your gameplay and allow you to be more focused on your safety as well.
