It is possible to enjoy video games if you apply these 8 tips for gamers that will keep you protected from thieves and gold farmers.
Do you remember that time when “video game” was simply synonymous with a platform where we could only move within the same screen? Everything that was there was before our eyes, and we could not go beyond the limits. Don’t forget to always happy AE Gaming and have fun.
Today it is not like that. Today, video games are stories in themselves and we are part of them, we get involved with their characters and we bring them to life. Thus, the limits of the screen are no longer restrictive and, having become a more than important element in our lives, video games began to be profitable not only for companies, but also (unfortunately) for cybercriminals.
But despite the possible risks and threats that target gamers, and the existence of malicious programs in the gamer world , we know that it is possible to enjoy video games by applying good security practices that will keep us protected .
Next, and on the occasion of International Gamer’s Day that is celebrated every August 29, we gather the 8 best tips to play without worries:
- Don’t disable your security solution
This is still a common practice among those who want to optimize or accelerate their computers resources, but it is a mistake: it could leave you exposed to infections.
Keyloggers , exploits or malware that could turn your PC into part of a botnet are just as real in the gamer world as in any other online activity , so you need your security solution to proactively detect any possible risk. And you don’t need to give up the full functionality of your favorite game for that: products that have a gamer mode do not cause interruptions or lag problems .
- Download only legal games and from official repositories
There will never be a lack of fake cracks of popular and long-awaited titles, as happened this year with Mortal Kombat X or previously with Crysis 3 . Not only will those eager to download them be disappointed by not receiving the game, but they could end up falling victim to malware that will seek to steal their personal information or credit card details, to provide financial payoff to the cybercriminals behind.
On the other hand, recognized virtual stores will provide guarantees in the transaction. On the other hand, if you opt for an unofficial or “pirated” version, you may end up losing more money than the original game would have left you.
- Be careful with the information you share in forums
We know that gamer communities are a good place to network, find new tactics or answer questions (and for the less patient, look for cheats ), but many cybercriminals point to gaming forums for long lists of users and passwords.
So, if you are going to participate in a forum, never publish your access credentials and try to use a different password (and if possible, an account) than the one you use to access the game in question. It is also not recommended that your username reflects your real name or details of your identity.
Remember that many scammers will pose as expert players willing to help you, and will ask for your information to do so. Don’t hand them over!
- Pay attention: Social Engineering is also adapted to gamers
In addition to the fake cracks , we have found phishing campaigns using names of well-known video games and fraudulent offers of goodies on sites like Steam’s Marketplace, where a “free” screensaver was offered that only masked the theft of goods.
The hoaxes will generally seek to steal access credentials, so remember to login by going directly to the official site and never enter your password on a page that you reached through a redirect that could be suspicious.
- Use strong and different passwords for each platform
As the gateway to accounts that host sensitive information and personal data, passwords need all your care: learn how to build a strong password .
Unfortunately, password reuse is still prevalent and is combined with the choice of weak and predictable combinations. But to avoid “I can’t remember so many complex keys” worries, you can use a password manager .
- Activate double authentication in gaming services
With so many major attacks on online games taking place , many companies realized that it was time to offer double authentication to their users. This practice helps prevent information theft by making it difficult to access accounts and ensuring protection in case the password is leaked.
If you want to know more, find out what double authentication is and why you need it .
- Close your session when you finish playing on services such as Origin or Steam
If you are invited to play collectively, use an open network or unknown equipment, be sure to log out so that your account or achievements are not stolen, or your data purchased.
If someone takes control of your session and manipulates your account, in addition to playing for you, they will have access to your bank details and personal information, so you must protect it. Having an imposter finish the game you’ve been playing is bad enough, but imagine if someone stole your credit card information!
- Beware of the friends you add
Bitcoins thieves , gold farmers , trolls or simply cybercriminals are characters that you will want to avoid, so you should be cautious when interacting online and try not to give too many real personal details. Truth be told, you will hardly know who is on the other side – perhaps even a teammate may not be who they say they are, and find themselves there only to spread threats or catch unsuspecting victims.
