Online gaming has been growing significantly in the last few years. The advent of mobile games and improved gaming platforms are only some of the reasons for such strong development.
But when we have many people in the same place – think night markets – the number of potential pickpockets is also higher.
In other words, when playing games online, people must stay cautious. This article shares some valuable tips for safe gaming and iGaming.
1. Play via a VPN
Playing online games using a VPN will conceal your IP address. When a potential hacker doesn’t know where you’re actually located and can’t see it, it’s harder for them to hack your computer.
On the good side, you can also reduce the latency and choose the servers via which you’re going to play your games. For some gamers and some online games, this option improves the overall experience.
However, VPN-based gaming induces certain additional costs and could turn out to be slower if your Internet connection is already subpar.
2. Make a Playing Schedule
Gaming is a wonderful hobby that can help you learn languages, enter the world of programming, and even meet new people online.
However, many people have issues with self-discipline, resulting in long gaming sessions that affect the quality of their non-gaming aspect of life.
What you can do is make your own playing schedule. Look at the calendar and create your weekly timetable. As you sit down to play, plan the part of the day after the gaming session, set the alarm, and go!
The same goes for your iGaming time slots. Some players decide to use a Gamstop after a while. It helps them to make breaks from wagering and gambling when they have other things to do. Then, as they want to play it again, they can register at a casino not with Gamstop and ensure a smooth gaming experience.
3. Do Your Updates on Time
A survey published by Kaspersky showed that both organizations and individuals tend to be late with their software updates. For some working people, adjusting to new versions of their software tools reduces their productivity, at least while they’re getting used to it. That’s not recommended, but it’s understandable.
However, individual users, especially gamers, shouldn’t use this excuse. Yes, you might need to adjust to some new features, and it might affect your gaming enjoyment initially. Still, be aware that outdated antivirus, antimalware, and other protection tools expose your entire system to unwanted malware.
Hence, do your updates on time!
4. Mind Your Payment Methods
When playing video games online or through mobile apps, you’ll have to make a payment sooner or later. Sure, there are many free games out there, but these are either old or not so popular.
So, when you decide to make a payment for online games, make sure everything is safe and secure.
For starters, transfer the amount of money to your Internet or virtual bank card. Order one before you make a payment and use this card only for paying for your online games. That way, you won’t leave the personal and financial data related to your main debit/credit card.
Also, think about using payment alternatives, such as cryptocurrencies. Some platforms already accept crypto, such as the Microsoft store. Interestingly, there are more and more crypto casinos, meaning you can pay for your iGaming sessions using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other such option.
5. Use Password Managers
Memorizing passwords is impossible, at least if you use diverse passwords for different websites and platforms.
Conversely, writing down passwords is irresponsible because you never know who might access them; yes, even in a Word document stored on your computer.
That’s why using password managers will help you keep the passwords safe and quickly available. The only thing here is that every password manager requires that users set one longer, master password to be able to reach the stored ones. Our two cents: make this one a passphrase, like a sentence your partner often uses, or any other easily memorable string of words and numbers.
6. Avoid Shady Websites
In the last few years, we’ve witnessed the revival of the retro scene. This nostalgia gaming effect launched hundreds of new websites, offering popular games from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
However, not all these websites are equally secure. So, if you come across a retro (i)gaming platform that you like but you’ve never used, do your research. Check out if other gamers have used it and see what security measures it uses, especially if you need to leave your payment data.
Playing games on trusted websites will keep you safe throughout 2024.