Online gaming risks and how to avoid them

In the digital world, online gaming is a major pastime for millions of people. No longer seen as the preserve of gaming geeks, gaming sites and platforms offer people a sense of community, where they make new friends and share a common experience. But as is the case with other online experiences, there are risks. From cyber threats to trolls and toxic players, the world of virtual gaming can be a minefield, which is why it’s important to know the risks and how you can protect yourself against them.

Phishing scams

Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with ways to scam people and the virtual gaming environment is no exception. Scammers will try and get sensitive information from gamers by offering them what looks like a legitimate offer, such as a cheat code, gift card offer or links to what looks like an exciting game update. These dodgy files and links, once clicked on, take the player to a fake login page which asks them to enter personal information that the cybercriminal then uses to access their bank accounts. Even those who are ultra vigilant can fall prey to these schemes, as many are highly sophisticated and not easy to spot.

In order to protect yourself, always take a step back before clicking on any unsolicited communications. If an offer from someone you don’t know seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If a link seems suspicious, particularly if it says it is a limited time offer, check the official website through your browser rather than click on that, not the message links. Messages marked urgent and priority are a tactic aimed at pushing people to making an impulsive decision. They may urge you to click for free spins or an unmissable bonus, but you can check genuine offers such as new free spins no deposit at sites such as Free Daily Spins.

Personal data breach

All internet users are at risk of someone getting hold of their details by cracking passwords or exploiting weak security on a network. Once someone has access to your account details, they have all your personal information, including credit card details, name, address and email.

As with all websites, it’s vital to create a strong password and you can do this by using a password manager, which generates unique passwords and stores them safely so you don’t have to remember them. When available, you should use two-factor authentication for extra security.

Cyberbullying

Online abuse from other players is, sadly, a pervasive issue on the gaming scene, which can lead to psychological harm. There’s something about being anonymous which makes some people feel they can be abusive and they forget that behind every avatar is a fellow human, who has the same emotions and feelings.

If you are being targeted by a cyberbully, it’s best not to engage with them, as it can fuel their abusive behaviour. You can use in-game tools to report them, as game developers are keen to keep their gaming environment respectful and should take a report seriously. You could also consider blocking or muting the bully to stop them from contacting you. And it’s important to remember you can reach out for support, whether that’s from within the gaming community or a friend or family member.

Malware

Malware is malicious software, which has been designed to get into a system or network in order to steal data or destroy computers. This online threat, which generally comes from unofficial sources, can be disguised to look like a downloadable game and will quickly damage a device and also compromise your data.

To keep your data and device safe, games and updates should only be downloaded from official sources. While discounted or even free games may look tempting, they will be costly in the end if they include malware. You should also beware of unusually small or large files which don’t match the game, as these could contain malware. You can install antivirus software in order to detect and block any malware before it infects your system.

In-game purchases

Designed to enhance a game by offering cosmetic items such as skins on a character, special abilities or extra content, in-game purchases can quickly add up, leading to someone inadvertently spending much of their hard-earned cash. Known as microtransactions, these in-game purchases offer nothing tangible. If you do want to spend money on an online game, you are better off playing a casino or bingo game, which offers free spins and the chance to make money. If you do decide to spend money in a game, always set a limit and limit your use of real money, using in-game currency you’ve earned instead.

Gaming addiction

If you are spending the majority of your day or night gaming and you are no longer experiencing the thrill, you may have developed an addiction. When someone is addicted to gaming, they have an unhealthy obsession and can think of nothing else, leading them to spend excessive time gaming. This can lead to problems with their physical and mental health, social interactions and sleep patterns.

To avoid becoming addicted, it’s important to know the symptoms of game addiction, which include not only spending excessive time playing, but also sacrificing other responsibilities or activities in order to play. Like all things in life, it’s important to have balance, ensuring you spend your free time on a range of activities.