Over the last three decades, gaming has taken on a more mainstream position within the pantheon of hobbies modern life provides. It can connect people across continents, bring thousands of fans together in stadiums, and take over the internet when a new game becomes an instant classic. But it’s also important to acknowledge that although it is now a more common activity, you still need to make sure you game responsibility and take proactive steps to protect yourself online.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Your personal data is possibly the most important thing about your accounts online, for gaming or otherwise. You need to guard this as carefully as possible, with unique passwords for each account that are as robust as possible. A password manager can help you to generate and store these complex passwords, creating a vault that’s difficult for anyone to access other than yourself.
Naturally, you should also try to avoid sharing too much personal information with other players – unless you know them very well in person. Even if you’re playing something as simple as online bingo, it’s essential to be aware of information you share with others on chats. Your real name, location and age are just a few examples of the details that can be pieced together by malicious actors. Make sure your privacy settings are as secure as you feel comfortable with to avoid sharing anything with unintended audiences.
Understanding and Managing Online Interactions
Most online gaming communities can be incredibly welcoming, but some can harbor individuals with harmful intentions. Learn to recognise signs of harassment, cyberbullying, or scam attempts early. And, most of all, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong about an interaction, it probably is.
Familiarise yourself with in-game reporting tools and don’t hesitate to use them when encountering inappropriate behaviour. Most platforms allow you to block or mute other users instantly. Remember that you’re never obligated to continue uncomfortable conversations or tolerate abusive behaviour from other players.
Securing Your Accounts and Devices
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is your first line of defence against unauthorised account access. Enable it wherever possible, as it significantly reduces the risk of account compromise even if your password is stolen.
Be aware of phishing attempts via email as well. Legitimate gaming companies will never ask for your password or personal information via email or direct message. Make sure any security software you have is updated regularly to keep up with the latest protections against new vulnerabilities.
Being Smart About In-Game Spending and Downloads
In-game purchases are now found in many games as a prominent feature, such as in Fortnite with the variety of cosmetics that allow players freedom of expression. The issue is when these in-game purchases escalate, especially when they revolve around chance-based rewards. It’s best to set spending limits with these to prevent purchases from spiralling, as these games are unlikely to track your spending.
Make sure to stick to verified and trusted sources for any downloads too. Looking for free copies of games can lead you into risky territory online, where you’ll likely encounter malware and other things that can harm your computer. Left unchecked, these can then also steal your personal data and render your computer or mobile useless.
By implementing these safety measures, you can focus on what matters most – enjoying your gaming experience while staying protected from potential threats.
