Millions of people from across the world turn to online gaming as a form of entertainment. After a long and busy day at the office, getting home, switching on your PC and getting stuck into a fun-filled game can be a great way to pass the time. While many gamers play purely for fun, others put money down which, if put in the wrong hands, could leave you vulnerable.
Unfortunately, hackers are always coming up with new ways to access player accounts. Whether you enjoy online slots, or video games, here are some protective measures you can put in place to keep your money safe and secure.
Choose a Reputable Website
Whatever you do, you must choose a reputable website for your online gaming pleasure. Whether you enjoy playing at an online casino, or video games to relax and unwind, you should choose a platform that has excellent testimonials from current players. If you want to step into the online casino world, there are additional gambling safety tips you can use to your advantage. For every reputable online gaming website, there will be dozens of suspicious ones, so you need to be aware of this when signing up.
Pick a Strong Password
We all use passwords for our work and personal emails, online shopping accounts, and social media. When online gaming, you should use a different password for your account. This is because, should a hacker gain access to your account, they may view your personal details and clone your card. Using a strong password made up of characters, letters, and symbols is wise. If you’re worried about forgetting the password, consider using a password manager.
Don’t Disclose Personal Information
Many online gamers enjoy conversing with likeminded individuals. Some online games have chat functions that allow you to connect with players across the globe. Unfortunately, while most gamers will have good intentions, there may be hackers roaming the chat. Even if you build a good rapport with other players, be wary about what you disclose. Sharing your name, where you’re from and your occupation can be all a hacker needs to get closer to accessing your account.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
If you’re away from home on business or on an overseas vacation, you may decide to play online games to fill your downtime. If you can avoid it, you shouldn’t use a public Wi-Fi connection. This is because you can never be certain who else is on the same network. To protect your money, it may be wise to use your data for the time being.
Install Antivirus Software
Should your device become infected with malware, your personal details and money will be at risk. Hackers often use malware as a way to get into player accounts, so you must install antivirus software and keep it up to date. Installing antivirus software will also block spam and ads, protect your data and files, and protect you from phishing attacks.
When parting with money, you’ll want to ensure no prying eyes are watching over you. Whether you play free or paid online games, all the above will add extra protection to your account, meaning hackers will have a harder time gaining access to your cash.