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Security Threat to Online Gaming

Kay TurnerJan 20, 2020

According to Statista, there were 1.82 billion gamers across the world in 2014, with the figure expected to reach 2.7 billion by 2021. When you consider that there are 7.7 billion people on the planet, you can see how big the gaming industry is.

This represents an opportunity for money launderers and hackers. They can use the world of online gaming to carry out criminal activity and steal personal data. The key to limiting the risk of exposure to these dangers is to take some precautions when you play.

Use unique passwords

Unique passwords should always be used. This is advice that you have probably heard before; but did you take any notice? According to information from Google, 51% of users make use of the same password across several different accounts.

If you do this, you increase the risk to your online security. Remember to use a unique password for each different app and website that you use.

Check security of sites and apps

Downloading an app can create problems, if the app itself is not safe. It’s worth spending time using a product like Google Play Protect to check apps for problems before you download them in the Google Play Store. This product can also detect any dangerous apps that are installed on your device, and delete them.

It’s not just apps that may not be trustworthy. If you are using gaming websites, you should check independent reviews concerning their security. This helps you to see if players have had any problems in the past.

You can also check licensing that is required for online games like slots, blackjack and roulette. Reputable gaming providers like NetEnt provide games as seen on this page and are fully licensed to do so by the UKGC, MGA, AAMS and AGCC. This licensing means that they are required to provide fair and safe play.

Protect your online spending

Even if you are playing free online games, you may still need to make purchases for items that can make your gaming experience better. When you make purchases, or use money for any type of online gaming, you should always protect your spending.

Check that the website or app is secure. You should be able to see a small padlock symbol next to the URL, if this is the case.
Keep software updated so that any required patches are present.
Never choose the “remember me” option when you are using a device that is not your own.
Use secure online payment wallets so that you can limit the sharing of your financial data.

Online gaming is intended to be fun. Keeping it that way is important. This means that you need to pay attention to your security when you play. It may be tempting to cut corners, so that you can spend as much time as possible in the game. This is not a good idea as you can end up playing games that contain malware or opening up your private data for other people to use. It’s worth making a little extra effort to keep protected and make sure that gaming is fun.