Online games are fun until you notice that your device has been invaded by cyber-criminals. From malware to identity theft, there are various technological and social risks associated with online gaming, which can take a toll on your data privacy and security. Besides, such cyber attackers can also use your credit card information to rip you off or even sell it to other people over the internet. Since many young gamers are unaware of such risks, we will educate gamers about all the potential risks and threats related to online gaming and ways to resolve them. Continue reading this article to find out!
Security and Privacy Risks of Online Gaming
Here are the most common online gaming risks you should watch out for:
Viruses and Malware
If your kids like to download games from unknown sources, then there is a chance that they will come across games that contain viruses and malware. Such fake games are full of malicious code injected by hackers to gain control of your device. Therefore, you should stay vigilant even if your kids are downloading gaming files from torrent sites, as they can be infected with viruses and malware for carrying out cyber-attacks on your device.
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Illicit Gaming Servers
Professional gamers prefer using a separate server that is dedicated to gaming only. Whenever they download a gaming app using these servers, they may become subject to spyware, Trojan horses, or even adware. This way, attackers can intrude into their victims’ devices by disrupting the gameplay or stealing their sensitive information.
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Identity Theft
Cybercriminals gain access to your personal information and store it in the form of separate profiles of each victim. For example, if you are using the chatting feature of your gaming app, you may end up revealing your details to a stranger, who can use them against you, without your permission. Even if you give out your name, contact number, or location to someone while playing online games, this information can lead to cybercrimes, such as identity theft by the attacker. Once you have handed over your sensitive information to them, it can be used or manipulated to trick other people into revealing their identities for performing illicit activities.
Phishing Attacks
Since scams bring in a great deal of money to the attackers, they are likely to attempt phishing scams in gaming as well. This may show up as a phishing link to the online gaming community to access their accounts. Once they get a hold of your account, they can use your credit card information to make online purchases or even sell your account details to a third-party company in exchange for a large sum of money. While most professional gamers are aware of these tactics, young gamers may not have adequate knowledge about such attacks, which can potentially land them in trouble.
Data Breaches
Online hackers are not limited to gamers only as they may attempt to attack game publishers as well. Once they get into the publisher’s system, they can easily gain access to a lot of information about its users and the publisher as well. Next, they can gain access to their victims’ social media or email accounts through email addresses, usernames, and passwords stored on the device. Such data breaches can affect hundreds or even thousands of devices in a go, without the users’ permission.
How to Avoid the Risk of Online Gaming Attacks?
We have compiled the best ways to protect your data and device from online gaming attacks:
- Avoid viewing or downloading files from unknown sites
- Install an antivirus and antispyware software
- Avoid downloading attachments sent by unknown users to your email accounts
- Ensure that your downloaded file is authentic
- Set up a firewall for your device
- Change your passwords regularly and use strong passwords for your accounts
- Update your web browsers and gaming apps regularly
- Switch to an internet provider that offers free software and tools to secure your device
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, online gaming can be just as harmful as downloading and streaming videos from unknown sites. It may contain viruses and malware in the form of buttons or ads. For instance, while you are navigating through the gaming app or even in the middle of gameplay, a pop-up ad may appear on your screen. Even if you try to skip that ad, your click or tap can open a new window or download an unknown file on your device without your consent. Therefore, you need to follow our tips and techniques listed above to ensure your privacy and security while playing online games.
