Online gaming has become a major form of entertainment. Online gaming can be fun but the online element attached to online gaming can also be dangerous. Depending upon the games you play, you can reveal plenty of your personal information to the online world which is not at all recommended. Also, while playing games online, it is possible that one becomes a victim of online predators, cyberbullying and online harassment. Therefore, it becomes important to ensure one’s safety while playing games online.
1. Do not reveal your personal information
No matter how good a friend you have made someone while playing online games, never give out personal information. The personal information revealed can be used for hacking into your account and also, for impersonation too. Therefore, keep the identifying details like your birth year, first or last name under the carpet and do not reveal it to a stranger that you have met online.
2. Choose a strong password for your gaming accounts
Many times, people end up keeping the same password for almost all their accounts which is a huge mistake. It is because it not only compromises one account but multiple accounts at the same time because of a common password. To stay on the safe side, give an entirely different password to your gaming account and make it a strong password by including numbers, special characters and non-dictionary words. Your gaming account is often linked with bank accounts and emails, therefore having a strong password is mandatory.
3. Cover the webcam
Webcams of laptops are vulnerable because they are easy to hack. The in-built camera on laptops and phones, therefore, poses a great risk if hacked. To stay safe from it, ensure that by default, the web camera is off unless you turn it on consciously. You can also consider using a virtual private network for protecting your identity by hiding your IP address. You can check our current IP address in What Is My IP before you hide it. You can also consider covering the webcam with masking tape as an extra precautionary measure.
4. Block or report bullies
Many children who are engaged in online games are often victims of cyberbullying. If you see someone getting bullied online or if you, yourself are on the receiving end of cyberbullying, block or report the bullies. Many gaming platforms provide the users with the report option to create a safe environment for the gamers. At the very first sight of any kind of bullying, block and report the bully.
5. Avoid clicking on links shared on the chat screen
For many gamers, cheat sheets play an exciting role in cracking a game. Such elements are used to tempt the gamers to click on a link that may contain a virus or any other form of malware. Avoid clicking on any such links shared by unknown people.
6. Choose a username for your online avatar
Do not choose your real name as a username while playing online games. Also, many gamers, even though they keep a username, provide a clue about their date of birth in it. Avoid doing that while choosing your username. Go for a username that cannot reveal any kind of personal information about you.
7. Beware with whom you are talking
It is common for a gamer to engage with other gamers playing the same game. A sense of gaming community is important for making a game enjoyable. However, while interacting with other gamers, treat them simply like gamers and beware of how much information you share with them. It is advised not to share personal information with a stranger online.
8. Do not fall for the virus alerts warning
Many times, you might see warnings about virus alerts on an online gaming website. Do not click on any such links unless such a warning comes from the antivirus software that you have installed on the system. Many times, such warnings are simply tricks to tempt the users to click on a link that downloads unwanted software in your system without you even noticing it.
Playing online games can be fun. However, one should maintain some basic precautionary measures and digital hygiene while playing online games. Have good antivirus software installed in your system, do not click on any link and do not reveal your personal information. These precautionary measures alone can provide you with a nearly safe environment for engaging in online gaming.
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