How many hours do you spend playing online games every day? While gaming is a hobby for some, others take this form of entertainment quite seriously. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you exist, security is just as important. What steps can you take to guarantee that personal details do not fall into the wrong hands? Let’s some practical considerations that are easy to implement.
Hosted Servers
Most of us rely on the “plug-and-play” method when accessing the latest games. We simply log into the site in question, and begin playing. The issue here is that using our own servers can actually expose us to vulnerabilities such as DDoS attacks. It is better to opt for an alternative.
The MMORPG game Palworld can be used as an example. Players have the option to log in using Palworld server hosting; a shared network service that is completely free to use. Those who spend a significant amount of time in the iGaming community should employ a shared host when possible, and these alternatives are equipped with robust firewalls.
VPN Access
Virtual private servers (VPNs) are yet another protocol that could be wise to keep in mind. A VPN will mask your personal IP address by re-routing it across a number of “nodes”. This make it nearly impossible for hackers to trace the identity of the player. Interestingly enough, VPNs offer an additional benefit. Some portals (such as online casinos) may be blacklisted in specific regions. These servers offer you a way to bypass such blockages.
2FA
Even if you have created a very strong password, this might not always be enough. Thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, and the presence of extremely complicated algorithms, passwords may become compromised. One way to avoid this unfortunate scenario is to active two-factor authentication. Otherwise known as 2FA, this method will require you to confirm a certain action (such as logging in) by copying and pasting a one-time code sent to your mobile device. In other words, 2FA adds another string to the bow when it comes to personal data protection.
What About Smartphone Apps?
While PC-based games are extremely popular, you might instead play on your mobile device. So, security here is just as relevant of a topic. How can you make sure that the app is not compromised? Here are some steps to take before committing to a download:
- Examine how long the app has existed.
- Determine the name and email address of the developer.
- Read customer comments.
- Be wary if the app requires access to sensitive information.
- Only download from vetted sources such as Google Play and the Apple Store.
A small dose of common sense will enable you to highlight any suspicious apps, and if necessary, to pass this information along to others.
Finally, many hardcore gamers choose to install a separate antivirus program. This will help to quarantine and eliminate any threats before they begin to do real damage. With a touch of vigilance, you can remain confident that all bases are covered.
Main Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash, VPN image by Petter Lagson.
