The internet can be a dangerous place if you aren’t careful. Hackers, thieves, and scammers regularly prowl gaming websites and forums looking for victims. Gamers who don’t take their cybersecurity seriously are particularly easy targets. If you are a gamer, then you need to begin taking your online anonymity and security seriously.
There are many ways for one to secure oneself online, from carefully selecting a username to downloading a VPN. This article will break down and explain some of the most effective ways of staying safe online, so you don’t ever have to worry about your security:
Cybersecurity Software
One of the first things that you need to do if you want to avoid falling victim to internet hackers is to invest in some cybersecurity software. If you are going to consider using cybersecurity software, then it’s important to first do your research and find the one that’s best for you. There are many software providers, and all services are different. The best way to discover whether a specific piece of software is worthwhile is by reading reviews, checking out what people have to say on forums, and contacting the manufacturer directly to ask about the product that they offer.
Choosing a Username
While cybersecurity software is very effective, you still need to take your security seriously online. Just because you’re protected by cybersecurity software, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be careful. If you are concerned about anonymity, then you need to choose a username that’s got no resemblance to your real name and has nothing in it that could help somebody to identify your real name. If somebody has your real name, they can locate you on social media or in the phonebook. This can be very problematic and can lead to stalking, harassment, and fraud. Make sure to keep your password secure also.
Sharing Information
Keeping in line with our last point: If you are going to play games online with other people, then share as little information about yourself as possible. The more information people have about you, the easier it will be for them to find you. In addition, if you share personal information with hackers, then they will be able to use this information to steal your credit card information and make fraudulent purchases. At the checkout on most online shops, one’s credit card billing information is required. If hackers can get your address, name, and birth date out of you, then they can use this information to make purchases.
Choose Your Friends
If you’re playing games online with other people, then you’re inevitably going to make friends. Gamers are very social people and form clans, groups, and online fraternities. When you’re playing online with other people, you need to choose your friends wisely. Make sure that you only talk to people who are your age and who have similar interests to you. Be dubious of anyone who is much older than you that tries to befriend you, or anybody who is clearly lying about their identity.
Privacy Settings
If you’re using forums or chat rooms to communicate with other gamers, then make sure that you have your privacy settings turned on. Some forums will publicly display your email and mobile phone number unless you explicitly turn this function off. Keeping your privacy settings on will ensure that nobody is able to find out your personal information and track you down. You should also keep your privacy settings turned on on websites like Facebook and Instagram. As a side note, make sure that you never give any gamers your social media accounts, even if you are good friends with them. They can track you down through your social media pages.
VPN
It’s always advisable to use a VPN in addition to cybersecurity software. A VPN is a program that masks your location and identity, giving you a fake IP address. The only downside to a VPN as far as gaming is concerned is that some servers and gaming websites won’t allow you to play on your country’s servers if you are using a VPN from another country. With that said, you can always use a VPN with a location inside your country that’s far away from you. VPNs prevent hackers from acquiring information about you.
Downloadable Mods
Downloadable mods can often contain viruses, which hackers use to gain your personal information. Be very careful about any modifications that you download, and make sure to scan any zip folders before you download and install them.
Gaming online is a lot of fun, but you do need to take your security seriously. The internet’s overrun with frauds. If you aren’t careful, you could fall victim to one. Follow this article’s advice, exert some common sense, and you will be fine.
