10 security tips every online player needs to know

In the vast territory of online games, there are hidden dangers that can threaten not only your in-game character, but also your personal security and that of your devices.

To give you an idea, in 2022, more than 380 thousand people were victims of scams involving games. Cybercriminals have used the names of famous games, such as Roblox, FIFA, Minecraft and Resident Evil, for criminal strategies that range from creating pages that imitate the interface of official stores or websites that imitate game installations, to promoting false advertisements. that promise benefits in games.

By gaining the online player’s attention and trust, criminals take the opportunity to steal data. This is when the fun experience of playing online can become a huge headache.

Thinking about this scenario, we separate 10 safety tips every gamer needs to know – and put it into practice! – for protect yourself while playing. Check out!

The number of scams involving games is growing: more than 380,000 people were victims in 2022. (GettyImages/reproduction)

1. Maintain anonymity

Before venturing into any online game, it’s worth thinking about creating a pseudonym, a username that does not reveal your personal information. Avoid using your real name or personal details in your profile. The less other players know about you, less vulnerable you will be.

2. Use strong passwords

Yes, we know that in the reality full of logins that we currently live in, decorating passwords is a challenge, leading many people to use easy and/or the same passwords on all platforms. But in a case of leakhave you ever imagined the damage this practice can cause?

Create complex passwords to your game accounts. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common passwords and never share your password with other players. And consider using a password manager to keep all your credentials safe.

3. Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds a additional layer of security to your account, requiring an extra code in addition to the password to access. When doing this, even if someone gets your password, they will need a code that only you will have access to.

4. Beware of suspicious links

Avoid clicking on links sent by other players, especially if you don’t know them personally. Scammers often try to trick players with malicious links which can infect your system with malware. Be cautious and check the source before clicking.

Cybercriminals always change their strategies, looking for the most convincing ways to make users click on links without realizing the risks. (GettyImages/reproduction)

5. Don’t share personal information

This tip may seem obvious, but believe me, cybercriminals constantly change their strategy and, if you don’t have an antivirus that identifies the page’s security, it can be difficult to identify whether a platform is safe or not.

Therefore, before entering your real name, address, telephone number or other sensitive information on any website, use a checking tool – and never share this data with other players!

6. Protect your device with antivirus

One of the most effective ways to keep your system secure is to use a reliable antivirussuch as those offered by Kaspersky. They not only detect but also neutralize cyber threatsensuring your PC or console stays safe while you play.

7. Browse securely using a VPN

This is another valuable tip: a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a strategic tool to protect your privacy online. Among Kaspersky solutions, for example, it is possible to have access to VPN systems that encrypt your connection, hiding your IP address and protecting your data from prying eyes. This feature is even more necessary if you play on public networkssuch as in cafes, shared environments or hotels.

8. Update your software regularly

Keeping your operating system, browsers, and other programs updated is essential to fix vulnerabilities known to developers.

By relying on a complete antivirus tool, such as Kaspersky, it is also possible to maintain automatic updates while having Blocks malware, viruses, ransomware and spy apps – so that you have the security of always being fully protected, even if a platform you trust suffers attacks.

9. Be aware of Privacy Settings

It is tempting toaccept privacy policies without reading them, we understand you, but data sharing via platforms and applications has gone further and further. It is not uncommon to find data leak news which should be protected by developing companies.

So, whenever you play online, check the game privacy settings and adjust them according to your preferences. This may include restricting who can join your game or who can communicate with you.

10. Continuously educate yourself and stay aware of news and new scams

Stay updated on Latest cybercriminal threats and tactics it’s essential. As a last tip, we recommend following news and tips published by trusted channels, such as Voxeland also updates from security companies, such as Kaspersky’s blog, to stay informed about security best practices.

Protect your personal information while playing online is essential to winning the game on and off the screen. By following these tips and having security tools, you can enjoy your virtual adventures with peace of mind.

To learn more about how Kaspersky can protect you while gaming, visit the platform’s official website and check out the solutions that can take your gaming journey to the next level.