Coming home to play on your favorite computer can be a hobby you always want, but how do you make sure that you and your loved ones are safe when you play online game?
A wide variety of games now allow players to mingle with real-life players from around the world on their servers, but always staying safe should always be a priority.
How to Stay Safe During Online Games
From popular games to large multiplayer platforms likePSN, Steam and Origin, for personal servers and games with your friends, it is important to know the risks of playing online and how to protect yourself against them. Below are six key steps to help you stay safe when playing online.
1. Keep Your Personal Data Private
It is almost unnecessary to say so in today’s modern world, but it is important, while playing, that you do not reveal too much personal information. This includes your full name, address, and any other identifying information, such as where you work or attend college.
2. Be Sure To Play On A Secure Server
If you are starting a new online game, you should always verify that the server you are using has the correct encryption and authentication before you start playing. If your server does not have them, it may be vulnerable to attacks that can attack game site databases.
This means that your personal information, such as login details, email address, and payment options, if you have a subscription, are available for theft. Using dedicated websites to find the best hosting for your games is a great way to ensure you’re playing on a protected server.
3. Beware Of Cyber Bullying
While you may think thatcyber bullyingis aimed exclusively at trolls on social media, it can also affect your experience if you play a multiplayer game online. Most online servers now have specific regulations against cyber bullying to try to protect their players.
Therefore, it is vital to your enjoyment and your own mental well-being that you not only report any cyber bullying to the game site if possible, but also immediately block any player causing you distress or anxiety.Cyberbullying can include unpleasant and malicious comments about you,intim threatsidantes designed to stop the game.
4. Use DDoS Protection
If you are running your own gaming hosting server, you should take advantage of security companies thatofferDDoS protection services. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is an attempt to make an online service unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources.
Remember that DDoS attacks should not be underestimated as it is a growing threat and gaming giants likeEA, PSN and Blizzardhad a hard time dealing with them.
5. Be careful what you are downloading
It can be very tempting to download the latest cheats or update your game, but if you illegally hack such software, there is a possibility that it may contain a virus or spyware that will infect your computer.
Recently, hackers have started spreading the game modes infected with cryptocurrency miners, so you should only download cheats and updates from verified websites or from the creator of the game.
6. Install And Update Antivirus/Antispyware Software
As with being careful about what you are downloading, you should always make sure that yourantivirus/antispywaresoftwareis installed and updated. A good practice would be to check your software updates before starting your game at all times.
This will prevent any new malware that has not been protected before attacking your files. You should also try using a gaming computer that does not contain any personal files, such as bank details and confidential emails.