It can seem like every week there is a new story about serious security breaches which have occurred as a result of a mislaid password, a concentrated hacking, or a failed security measure.
It might surprise you to learn that gaming is one of the online activities which requires the highest level of vigilance. This is not just because you want to score well or unlock a new achievement, it is also because there are many cybersecurity threats on gaming platforms – some of which will likely surprise you.
The good news is that you can effectively protect yourself by identifying safe gaming sites and following cybersecurity best practices. Keep reading to learn how to do both.
Finding platforms you can trust
Regardless of whether you are playing an MMORPG or gambling at an online casino, it is vitally important to be able to identify platforms you can trust. This is especially the case when you are playing any kind of online game that requires your personal and financial information.
When choosing an online casino, it is important to look for verified casinos which have active licenses. It is better if the casino is licensed in multiple jurisdictions and especially in countries which have strong consumer protection laws such as EU countries and the UK.
It is easier to choose online gaming platforms because most of them will have a brand name behind them. If you are trying out a new online game that you have never played before, try to do your research beforehand by reading reviews, looking up the licensing and parent company info, and even contacting the platform’s help desk if you have further questions regarding safety, licensing, and verification.
Cybersecurity best practices
In addition to seeking out trustworthy platforms, there are several cybersecurity best practices which everyone should follow online to minimize the chance of being hacked. One great way to further protect your financial information online is to only use trusted payment processors and online wallets such as PayPal and Wise. These digital wallets hold money securely for you and act as a security buffer between online threats and your bank account.
Another way to protect yourself is to be ever vigilant of scam attempts via phone and email. Even the most tech-aware of us occasionally fall prey to a well-worded email inviting us to click a link.
We all have to comb through dozens – if not hundreds – of emails daily, so it is inevitable that we will click an untrustworthy link once in a while. However, by reminding yourself occasionally of phishing attempts, you will be better able to protect yourself.
Finally, it is also best practice to keep up with the news on hacking to find out what new tricks hackers are pulling out of their sleeves. Cybersecurity threats are constantly changing and adapting, so it is worth trying to stay on top of the latest news.
