- Play on a Secure Server
If you are playing online games such as WoW or Runescape, you will have to enter a hosted server before you start playing. However, you should always check to see whether the server that a game is hosted on has the correct authentication and encryption before you play. If you are playing on an unprotected server, all of your personal information is vulnerable to theft. You can use dedicated sites that will tell you the best servers to use and whether or not one should be avoided.
- Always Use DDoS Protection
One of the most popular ways that hackers target online gamers is via DDoS, or Distributed Denial of Service attacks. This is a tactic in which hackers flood game servers with an overwhelming amount of traffic in order to shut them down and cause chaos for users. Steam, Activision, and Ubisoft have all been hit by DDoS attacks in recent years. To avoid becoming a victim of these increasingly common attacks, use a server that has DDoS protection or, if you are running a game on your own server, download anti-DDoS software.
- Only Trust Licensed Game Providers
There are quite literally millions of licensed game providers out there, offering everything from real-money casino games to point-and-click flash games. If you want to stay safe when gaming, only use sites that are licensed by regulatory bodies that have confirmed that those platforms are safe and legitimate. If you are looking to play online poker or slots, you should consult the casino industry experts that can tell you all of the safe online casinos with UK license agreements in place with the government. This will keep you safe when playing online casino games.
- Never Share Personal Details with Strangers
A lot of what we love about online gaming is that it is such a social activity, allowing you to communicate and compete with fellow gamers from all around the world. However, not all of your deathmatch teammates are necessarily on your side. There have been several recorded instances of identity thieves and hackers attempting to gain personal information from people in online gaming lobbies. Err on the side of caution and never share personal information with strangers when you are playing online games, no matter how well-intentioned they might seem to be.
Online gaming may be experiencing an increased rate of cyberattacks in 2020, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay safe. These simple steps will keep you protected, no matter what game you are playing.
