10 Tips to Protect Your Account in Online Games

Playing online games is more popular than ever, but unfortunately, cybercriminals have also gotten better at stealing people’s data in these spaces, taking advantage of security gaps and user mistakes. Kaspersky, a big name in cybersecurity, released a 2023 report calling the online gaming world one of the riskiest for digital security.

The problem usually isn’t the games themselves, but the fact that some players don’t take proper security steps when accessing online services. That can leave the door wide open for hackers to get sensitive info, like your personal and banking details.

Thankfully, there are a lot of smart security moves you can make to stay safe and focus on the fun. Here are ten must-know tips to help you lock down your online gaming accounts. Read through and make sure you’re covered!

Your Essential Guide to Online Gaming Security

1. Use Strong, Secure Passwords

Scammers love weak passwords. Another common mistake is reusing the same password across lots of sites, even for things like online banking. If someone gets ahold of your gaming password, they might be able to get into your other accounts too. That’s why it’s crucial to use different, frequently updated passwords everywhere.

Try these tips:

• Make passwords at least 8 characters long. Example: aacchxzs
• Mix uppercase and lowercase letters. Example: aaCCHxzS
• Add numbers or special characters. Example: a@CC8Hxz5S

Skip personal info like your name, birthday, or anything someone might guess. If remembering passwords is tough, use a password manager. Google Chrome can save them, but for more security, check out tools like Bitwarden, KeePass, and True Key that securely and privately save your passwords.

2. Skip Social Logins

It’s way more convenient to log into sites with Facebook, Twitter, or Google, but it’s risky. If one social media account is hacked, every service using that login is at risk too. Always make separate logins for each gaming platform – it’s worth the extra effort!

3. Protect Your Anonymity

When creating a username or “gamer tag,” don’t use anything that could give away your real identity. Also, don’t share personal stuff in voice or text chats – skip your real name, location, or family info. Small precautions like this seriously cut down on scam risks.

4. Only Buy from Official Platforms

When you’re buying games, in-game items, or virtual currency, stick to verified stores like Play Store, App Store, Steam, PSN, and Xbox Store. These are much safer because they’re official and monitored. Avoid buying from sketchy websites or random sellers – the risk of scams and fraud is much higher, and your credit card or personal info could get stolen.

5. Use Virtual Cards Whenever Possible

Most banks now offer virtual cards for online shopping, adding an extra security layer. These cards are usually one-time use or temporary, making them hard to steal or clone. If your bank offers this, definitely use it for in-game purchases!

6. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication means you need more than just a password to log in – usually a code sent to your phone or email. Tools like Google Authenticator are great for this. 2FA helps block anyone who tries to access your account, even if they have your password.

7. Keep Your Computer Updated

Always update your system, drivers, apps, and browsers. Outdated devices are way more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Updates fix security holes and keep your system running smoothly, which means safer gaming.

8. Use an Active Antivirus

A good antivirus is a must, especially if you game online a lot. There are free and paid options out there – in addition to Kaspersky, check out Avast, Norton, Avira, and AVG. Keep your antivirus updated and running – it’ll help block malicious websites, infected files, and other threats.

9. Watch Out for Sketchy Links

Be careful with links that you get from other players, especially in public chats. Don’t click random links – they could infect your device with malware meant to steal your data. Even private messages can be used by scammers, sometimes pretending to be game staff. Never share sensitive details or click links from unknown people.

10. Beware of Phishing Attacks

Phishing is when scammers use fake websites or messages to steal your info. Watch out for emails promising free stuff – always double-check through official game channels first. Phishing links often look almost identical to real sites, using similar-looking letters to trick you. When in doubt, reach out to official game support. Taking a few extra minutes to check can save you a lot of trouble down the line.

Learn more at IE Games.