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The internet is full of fun and exciting things to do including gaming. Whether you’re a pro at poker, chess, or DOTA 2, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the internet. Although gaming online is fast and convenient, there are some downsides and negatives to be aware of. The internet is full of scams, hackers, and viruses, and it’s easy to fall into a trap online.
From leaking personal details to bricking your PC, there are plenty of ways cybercrimes can affect you. There are a few key things to do if you want to stay safe while gaming online. If you’re looking to game online while putting safety first, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about online safety when it comes to gaming. Follow this guide to put your best foot forward and stay protected while your game is online.
Know your local laws and regulations
The first step to gaming online safely is to know the laws and regulations in your area. Some countries and states have laws in place that don’t allow you to take part in online gaming. Whether you play blackjack, slots, or Fortnite, before you boot up your PC it’s important to get familiar with the law. Checking your local regulations beforehand allows you to stay on the right and safe side of the law while gaming online. The laws are put in place to keep you out of trouble or to protect you, so make sure you follow them!
Find reputable sites
Whether you’re gaming or shopping, the best way to stay safe online is to use reputable sites. The only way to find reputable sites is to do your research and ask around. Whether you’re looking for the best Australian online casino or fantasy football league, you need to do your research. Look for sites that have good reviews, and ratings, and are talked about in a positive way online. Pay attention to the design and layout of the site, if it has too many ads, pop-ups, and shady links, steer clear of it.
Don’t give out personal information
The easiest way a hacker can carry out their nefarious deeds is by getting their hands on your personal information. As an online gamer, your personal information is precious and you need to keep it safe. When signing up for a gaming site, don’t give out any unnecessary personal information and avoid sites that demand it. When talking to other players online, make sure to keep things light and don’t give out any personal details. Keeping yourself safe online is all about making sure your private information stays private.
Get a secure password
The second easiest way a hacker can get into your account and access your personal information is through a weak password. Creating a strong password is essential if you want to stay safe while gaming online. A strong password will ward off hackers and a weak one will invite them. To create a strong password, you need to prioritize its strength as a password, rather than how easy it is to remember. Craft your password using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. If you can’t memorize your password, write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
Get a VPN
A VPN is a must-have whether you’re browsing, shopping, or gaming on the internet. A virtual private network (or VPN) is a tool that will keep your identity private and keep you safe online. By masking your IP address it allows you to avoid any targeted ads or hackers while allowing you to game in peace. If certain sites or games are not allowed in your location, your VPN can help you sidestep those barriers by changing your IP address. It’s easy to see why having a VPN is useful for online gaming, so make sure you get one.
Have protection on your device
If getting a VPN is not in the cards, make sure to fortify your device with other forms of protection. There are many programs, add-ons, and software that you can use on your device to keep it safe from cybercrime and scams. Ad-Blockers are a good place to start getting rid of pesky and malicious ads. There are plenty of antivirus programs and software on the market to choose from and are great for added protection. Having that extra layer of protection will come in handy if you’re an online gamer.
Avoid public networks
In the same vein as the previous points, if you can, avoid gaming on public networks. Public networks are free for all and anyone who wants to can harm you if you’re not careful. Not only are public networks not safe online, but you also risk someone peering over at your screen to get a look at what you’re up to. Public networks are also a lot slower and can lag your game. Although it may seem tempting, if you value speed, privacy, and security, avoid using public networks to do your online gaming.
Avoid cheat codes and level-ups
Gaming can be tough and it’s hard to do well every single time, no matter what game you’re playing. With online games, it can be tempting to get a leg up on your competition and succumb to cheats and level-ups. Although this might make you advance in the game, it may harm your device, software, or bank account! Many sites and individuals who offer cheats and free passes on the internet do not have your best interest at heart. To avoid getting scammed out of your time and money, avoid the temptation of online cheats.
So there you have it!! With these tips and pointers in mind, you’re ready to take on the world of online gaming safely and securely! Always start by checking your local laws and regulations to avoid trouble and stay safe. Find and only use reputable sites to avoid scams and shady tactics. Avoid giving out any unnecessary personal information and always use a strong password.
Always protect your device with a VPN or other protection programs, add-ons, or software. If you can, avoid gaming on public networks as they are slow and unsafe. Last but not least, resist the temptation to buy and use cheats online as they can be a security hazard. Good luck, stay safe and happy gaming!