How to Keep your Data Safe When Playing Games Online

Last year, 77% of all cyberattacks between September and December targeted online gamers. This is according to a report by security company Nexus guard, which focuses on preventing Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) crimes.

Online gamers are increasingly becoming targets of cybercrimes for all sorts of reasons. Some attacks are done out of malice—Swatting as an example. Other attack target financial data, money or the gamer’s wellbeing.

While we’re not saying something will happen to you for not protecting yourself, it’s essential to take protective measures. Protect your gaming machines from malware, your credit cards and your identity from theft using these tips.

1—Install A VPN

Every time you connect to the Internet without a VPN, your data is transmitted publicly. Think of a public address system—the message gets to everyone nearby. With data, people can intercept and use it against your will.

A Virtual Private Network encrypts your data using advanced algorithms to hide it from the public. The best VPNs use military-grade techniques to protect your data even to talented hackers and government officials.

Additionally, it hides your IP address. This way, you can play video games anonymously and securely, whether at home or at your coffee shop. When you think about it, a VPN comes with a lot more benefits to gamers.

For example, it can protect you from DDoS attacks and Swatting by hiding your identity. It can also help you avoid data throttling from ISP providers, bypass entertainment websites and download files on torrent sites safely.

2—Get an Antimalware Program

Most people call it an antivirus. But removing viruses is just one of many benefits of an antimalware program. It also helps fight worms, adware, ransomware, phishing scams, Trojans and spyware.

For clarity, antimalware programs have varying degrees of efficiency. Some programs can help remove weak viruses but they struggle to eliminate Trojans, worms and ransomware. In light of that information, take time to pick an efficient antimalware program.

To expound more, choose an antivirus that can handle all the threats online gamers face. That means it should handle DDoS attacks, spyware, Trojans, phishing scams and ransomware. Crucially, ensure it eliminates these threats in real time.

3—Secure your Accounts with Strong Passwords

This might come as a surprise but many hackers steal your data using the old traditional way of guessing passwords. They don’t use sophisticated spyware and hacking tools. Instead, they use social engineering to guess passwords based on your publicly available information.

Against that backdrop, don’t set passwords after your pets, names, phone number or favorite sports team. Create long, unique passwords for all your accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you manage multiple passwords.

However, don’t get tempted to use one or two passwords for all your accounts. While they are easy to remember, they expose many of your accounts to risk should a hack get access to one or a couple of your accounts.

4—Use Two-FA

Two-Factor Authentication is an increasingly popular way of protecting online accounts. It ensures you don’t lose your gaming, social media or banking accounts in case someone gets hold of your password.

Essentially, it’s a two-step account verification technique. First, you provide your password then you enter a four to six-digit pass code sent to your phone number, email address or authenticator app.

No one can access your Twitch, Twitter or PayPal account unless they get your password and authentication device. What happens if you lose your phone? You can reset your password and the phone number used for verification.

5—Use Social Media Responsibly

If you’re like many gamers, you have social media accounts. Maybe you spend most of your time on Twitter. Or you’re a Facebook streamer. Perhaps you only own an Instagram account—it doesn’t matter.

Protect your data on social media by limiting the type of data you share on social media. Hide information that could be used against you, say your address and contact details. Also, don’t share controversial content that could jeopardize your gaming career or life in general.

If you’re cynical about how social networks use your data, disable more functions that deal with data sharing. For example, don’t allow people to share your pictures and posts. And limit the number of people who view your posts to close friends and family.

6—Check Twice Before Clicking

Whether you want to buy video game skins or download freeware on a torrent site, check the website you’re about to visit twice. Is it the official website you intended to visit? If you’re unsure, check for SSL encryption.

If you receive links and messages regarding great deals online, delete and block whoever sent them. If you must click on the links, ensure they come from a person you trust. Also, check the websites for any suspicious signs or malware or another threat.

That said, use standard security tips to make it harder for hackers to come after you. For example, update software on your devices regularly. Avoid public WiFi and don’t share your passwords with anyone.

7—Delete Saved Data on Browsers

Many browsers have an option for saving your data. They can help you save your passwords, store your user names, browsing history and cookies. The benefit: it’s easy to retrieve your online movements.

On the downside, data saved on browsers can be pointed to your computer address or home location. A hacker with your Google or Apple account can discover all your passwords, confidential browsing data and everything else you’ve always thought was safe. Even if you’re just playing browser-based games, you are going to be potentially ‘leaking’ information to websites, especially if you are browsing on sites with a lot of ads.

The best way to protect your personal information from browsers is to delete it often. Clear your caches, cookies and browsing history. Then opt out of saving passwords. Additionally, consider using incognito mode often and activating a VPN every time you browse.

For clarity, you can decide which data to delete and which to save. There’s no harm in bookmarking an article you want to read later. You can also save the cookies of a gaming site through which you have customized features.