Online gaming has increased over the past years.
According to statistics, an estimated 1.1 billion people participated in online gaming globally as of 2020. By the end of 2024, the number of gamers will hit 3.32 billion.
As gamers invest large amounts of time and money in sophisticated games, cyber crooks, on the other side, are getting prepared to do whatever it takes to trick gamers.
So, what are the safety measures for online gaming platforms?
In this post, I will highlight what to do to secure online gaming platforms.
By the end of this post, you will understand online gaming risks and gain insights into making gaming safer.
Let’s dive in!
Security Risks Associated With Online Gaming
Before signing in to your favorite online gaming platform, it makes sense to be aware of the most significant risks you may be prone to. They include:
- Data and Identity Theft
The 2023 Annual Data Breach Report by The Identity Theft Research Center revealed that the U.S. experienced an unprecedented number of data breaches, marking a 72% increase from the record set in 2021. This resulted in the personal information of at least 353 million people being compromised.
Cybercriminals use the chat function on various gaming profiles to collect personally identifiable information from unsuspecting gamers. The cybercriminals steal identity to:
- Credit Card Fraud
- Apply for a new loan or line of credit in the victim’s name
- Transfer funds out of the victim’s account
- Collect government benefits owed to the victim.
Therefore, it’s essential to be vigilant about the data you share when gaming and only use trusted platforms to minimize or eliminate the risks of identity and data theft.
- Phishing
Phishing occurs when hackers create nefarious applications and operations on a gaming platform to deceive players. For unsuspecting games, click the phishing links and fill in the information. The hackers steal personal data.
- Chargeback Fraud
A chargeback occurs when a player makes a legitimate purchase within a gaming platform and then issues a charge, claiming the transaction was unauthorized or fraudulent. The result is a financial loss for gaming vendors as they lose the revenue and virtual goods or services provided to the player.
- Virtual Asset Fraud
Virtual asset trading platforms enable gamers to unlock the value of their virtual possessions. Fraudsters engage in scams involving fake virtual asset transactions, exploiting the gamer’s desire to acquire high-value items.
- DDoS Attacks
A DDoS attack overloads servers, causing them to respond at a slower speed or crash altogether. Such an attack compromises network connection, giving one party a competitive advantage over the opponent.
Safety Tips For Online Gamers
Now that we have looked at the risks of online gaming, let’s discuss the precautions to maintain a safe and secure gaming experience.
- Playing With Privacy—Keep Personal Information Secure
When registering on an online gaming platform, the system will most likely require you to set up a profile. The request for information is often through an interface or an online form that collects your details and allows you to set some personalization.
Some gaming consoles and networks also allow gamers to tie their gaming activities to social media platforms. In such cases, chances are that the platform picks your social media information and uses it to create your account.
It is helpful to keep your personal information strictly personal. Limit the amount of information you disclose to other gamers and avoid feeding your information to suspicious applications.
Keeping your details private prevents hackers from harvesting and using the data to steal your identity. More importantly, read the privacy policy before agreeing to link your gaming profile to your social media account.
- Download Only From Trusted Sources
If you need any game-related software, only download it from the official game stores or the developer’s websites.
In addition, third-party sites rarely implement security checks. Their approval processes are often relaxed, leaving room for compromise, and could expose gamers to countless threats. Therefore, do not download from unknown sites or install untrusted enterprise certificates.
Review the reviews and research the developer’s reputation before installing or sharing your information.
- Do Not Open Suspicious Attachments or Links
One of the most common vectors for cyberattacks or malware infections is unsuspecting gamers opening suspicious attachments or links. These can be disguised as cheat codes, game updates, or even messages from what appear to be trusted sources.
Always be cautious about any attachments or links you encounter when gaming online. This includes emails that seem to be from game developers or in-game messages from other players. Cybercriminals often leverage the excitement and trust within gaming communities to spread malware or gain unauthorized access to accounts.
Before downloading an attachment or clicking a suspicious link, verify its authenticity. Check the source’s email address or contact them through official channels. Most legitimate gaming companies will not send unsolicited attachments or demand sensitive information through insecure channels.
- Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
Strong passwords are the first defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. A strong password is typically long, complex, and unique, incorporating a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid common words, phrases, or quickly guessable information like birthdates or names. A strong password reduces the risk of your account being hacked or compromised.
These factors can include something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (like a smartphone or a security token), or biometrics (like a fingerprint or facial recognition).
By employing MFA, even if your password is somehow compromised, an attacker would still need the second factor to access your account, making unauthorized access significantly more challenging.
Implementing these security measures helps ensure that your gaming experience remains safe and enjoyable without the disruption of security breaches.
- Use an Antivirus Program
Installing reputable antivirus software on gaming devices acts as an additional safeguard against malware.
An antivirus is vitalt because gaming devices, much like computers or smartphones, can be vulnerable to various forms of malicious software.
These can include viruses, spyware, and ransomware, which can compromise personal data, reduce system performance, or even render the device unusable.
With a reliable antivirus program, gamers can enjoy a more secure environment, minimizing the risk of malware infections.
This software regularly scans the device for known threats, blocks suspicious activity, and removes any malware detected.
Conclusion
As the online gaming community expands, so too do the potential security risks that gamers face.
From data and identity theft to DDoS attacks, the virtual world is fraught with dangers that can impact gaming experience and real-life well-being.
However, you can enjoy a safer gaming environment by adhering to the safety measures discussed—such as keeping personal information secure, downloading only from trusted sources, and exercising caution with attachments and links.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let’s make the online gaming world a secure space for everyone to enjoy. Remember, a proactive approach to online safety is the best defense against these cyber threats. Happy gaming!