Online Gaming Security

Online gaming is a fun way to connect with other people across the world, and is available for anyone with a console, PC or mobile device. Although they are fun to play, online games present a few risks regarding cybersecurity. Some of those risks include phishing, viruses and identity theft.  

In this day and age, it’s crucial to stay safe online and protect one’s identity. With this in mind, online gaming companies have developed various solutions to protect their customers. 

The Risks of Online Gaming

The world is becoming more connected each day. Thanks to the internet, gamers can make new friends, discover new titles, and enjoy a convenient gaming experience from wherever they are. However, it also presents new opportunities for hackers. 

Hackers take advantage of gamers that make simple mistakes, like accidentally downloading a virus. Viruses allow hackers to take over machines, access personal information, and delete data. People get viruses when they download “free” versions of a game, cheat codes, or items. Gamers also get viruses when they interact with third-party sellers instead of reputable companies. 

Hackers can also steal information using the chat function. For example, they might ask for credentials, such as a player’s name, address, and phone number. Similarly, hackers use phishing, a technique which involves writing messages pretending to be somebody else. Phishing messages are incredibly well-written and offer people some kind of benefit. When people open the message, hackers infect their computers with viruses, extract personal information, or do both. 

After extracting this information, hackers often sell it to cybercriminals, who later conduct data breaches or account takeovers. These outcomes lead to permanent data loss or identity theft. 

Gamers cannot do much once they have been hacked. That’s why gaming companies focus on prevention with state-of-the-art cybersecurity tactics. 

How Online Gaming Companies Combat Hackers

Gaming companies have a responsibility to ensure their customers’ safety. They rely on elaborate digital infrastructures to filter out malicious users. SSL technology, also known as Secure Socket Layer, encrypts valuable data so hackers can’t intercept it. Gaming companies also arm their websites with firewalls to block out suspicious traffic. 

In particular, iGaming companies take their players’ security very seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of the industry, companies must protect their customers’ financial assets and personal data. Companies like PokerStars have gone to extensive lengths to ensure that gamers have the utmost protection, such as using RSA Security Tokens. These security tokens act as a two-factor verification and provide an extra layer of security after signing in. The RSA Security Token works by generating authentication codes every few minutes, assuring that the person accessing the player’s account is the owner.

Gaming companies also contact gamers’ mobile devices to verify their identity, typically with SMS messages. If companies notice something suspicious on an account, they can quickly contact the user and act fast to close the account if it has been hacked. 

While gaming companies work hard to make their websites safer, gamers must also learn to protect themselves online. 

How Gamers Can Protect Themselves Online

It is much more difficult for hackers to take advantage of gamers when they consistently change their account details. Gamers should vary their usernames and passwords for each account.

Passwords are particularly important. Gamers should create passwords using at least ten characters, including symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. They should also change their passwords every six months. 

Phishing is becoming one of the most common ways that hackers prey on gamers, so gamers must be cautious with their messages. As attractive as a message might appear, it could have a virus within or extract sensitive information. 

Installing gaming VPNs is a great way for gamers to protect themselves against cyberattacks. VPNs make it harder for hackers to track gamers because they conceal the user’s location. When gamers are not traceable, it is less likely for them to fall victim to phishing and other cyberattacks. 

Even though hackers have become craftier, gamers have valuable resources to protect themselves. However, as the internet becomes more sophisticated, gamers will have to keep up with cybersecurity trends to ensure their safety. 

Wrapping Up

The internet is a big place, and hackers are setting up shop at every turn. Online gaming companies are improving their security measures with encryption, firewalls, and multistep verification processes. 

Meanwhile, gamers can also protect themselves against hackers. A few tactics include creating long passwords, varying their account credentials, and withholding personal information in chats. Gamers should also use VPNs to conceal their location and keep hackers off their trail.