In the third quarter of 2020, Nexusguard observed that around 77% of cyber attacks targeted online gaming platforms. Nowadays, just checking your email or social media feeds can be an invitation for hackers. And for gamers who interact with different strangers and put personal info online, this threat is magnified twofold. The good news is that there are many ways to keep your online gaming data safe from today’s cyber thieves.
Observe Password Hygiene
When coming up with passwords, mix it up and never use any sensitive data in either your password or username. Change your passwords frequently and never use the same one for more than one account. Using the same password for different accounts is basically giving free passes to any hacker who can crack your code. To help you remember different passwords, you can use free data management software like KeePass to keep your entry codes secure, no matter how complicated they become. Observing password hygiene alone can be a strong deterrent to keep hackers at bay.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Online gaming environments are particularly ripe for creative new phishing scams. While previously limited to dubious emails, fake login pages to online gaming platforms are enabling hackers to trick younger gamers into giving up data. As a guide to cybersecurity for gamers by Coaching For Geeks outlines, successful phishing opens the way for unauthorized transactions as well as data and identity theft. If you’re planning to get more active in the online gaming space, it’s your job to look for signs of whether or not an email or login screen is genuine.
Get Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus Software
All you need to know about viruses and malware is that they’re tools used by hackers to find and exploit weaknesses in your device. While both have gotten quite sophisticated over the years, so have free anti-malware software like IOBit Malware Fighter. While this one comes with a pro version, its free version will keep your device shielded from the millions of different viruses and malware out there. If you can afford IOBit Malware Fighter Pro, you can even access the online footprint removal tool for covering your bases after logging out.
Get an IRS IP PIN
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can issue any legal citizen with an Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN). Known only to you and the IRS, this number can help verify your identity when you file your tax returns. Even if hackers steal your data, the IRS can use your IP PIN to prevent your information from being used by anyone else who has your Social Security Number. As the guide to playing online poker for money by Poker.org details, IRS tax fraud is a prevalent crime, and having an IRS IP PIN is not just a great idea for online poker, but for online data security in general. With this extra layer of verification, you can be one step ahead of hackers – even if they do manage to penetrate your initial defenses.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Regular manufacturer updates are the primary way for the makers of your console, laptop, computer, phone, or other gaming device to ensure its software is secure. This is why you should never ignore the update notifications on your Xbox, PS5, or whatever device you use for online gaming. This is the simplest way to keep your device safe.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you log into any online game or platform. With hackers on the rise, ensuring cybersecurity is a job you need to take seriously.
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