Safe and Fun Online Gaming

Digital Playgrounds

Over a billion people worldwide play online games, from simple phone apps to more complex games on consoles or computers. Some gamers play for entertainment, while others play to make new friends online and compete against others. While gaming can be a great way to relax, scammers can still use it to steal your personal information, money, or gaming account details. 

Risks of Online Gaming

Many gaming accounts are linked to credit cards, which makes them a target for cybercriminals. You should always be extra cautious when sharing your name, birth date, or address online, and gaming is no exception. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal your account, identity, or financial information. Another danger comes from downloading fake games that contain malware. Malware can steal your personal data, take over your gaming accounts, or even lock you out of your devices. 

Staying Safe While Gaming

You can stay safe and have fun while playing online games. You should adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your user profile and details. Be sure to research games before downloading them, even if they are available on a trusted platform or app store. Just because a game is available on an official platform doesn’t mean that it’s safe to download. Also, make sure your computer and mobile devices used for gaming have the most current security updates. 

What Can I Do to Stay Safe?

Remember these tips when gaming online:

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) on your gaming accounts to make it more difficult for your account to be stolen.
• Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to help keep your internet connection secure when gaming online.  
• Beware of emails and messages offering free games, in-game items, or currency. These could be phishing attacks that will install malware or steal your data.