5 Common Cybersecurity Threats for Online Gamers

Online gamers face a lot of cybersecurity threats on a daily basis. There are those frustrating DDoS attacks, as well as various viruses coming from unofficial gaming websites.

You don’t have to worry about the latter if you’re a serious gamer, but there are still plenty of other threats out there. Being aware of them means staying safe and protecting your devices and sensitive data.

Check out the most common cybersecurity threats gamers face online before exploring the best ways to stay safe.

Phishing

This is the most common threat involving fake websites that steal usernames and passwords. They pose as authentic sites, with barely noticeable changes in the domain name. Once a user registers, they steal their login information, and can even infect their device with malware.

With that malware, hackers can even access your credit card details, if you use the infected device for financial transactions.

Malicious Game Cracks

You need to be extra careful if you ever try and install a game crack. Many of those files may seem legit, but they often contain malware. Some game cracks may even be fully functional but still, infect your system with malicious software.

Password Stealers

Password stealers are viruses that infect your device, record all your keystrokes, and send them to a remote user. Hackers target online gamers using this social engineering technique by harnessing the power of chat conversations.

For instance, a player sends you a message, asking you to join their team. However, they ask you to install an app so that you can communicate while playing. If you fall for the scam and install the malicious .exe file, the virus will infect your system, and steal all your information.

Malicious Mobile Apps

If you like playing games on mobile, carefully choose what you install. Many fake apps managed to find their way into official app stores, so keep your eyes peeled.

For instance, Android Trojan was able to hide on Google Play. It imitated official games, such as Plants vs. Zombies 2, Super Hero Adventure, Subway Surfers, Temple Run 2 Zombies, and Traffic Racer.

This is why you should research game developers, and read through all the app reviews before installing any game.

TeslaCrypt

TeslaCrypt is a ransomware that locks your gaming account and requests a ransom for unlocking your gameplay data.

The good thing is that the developers shut down their file recovery service, and released the TeslaCrypt master decryption key. However, the strain is still out there, but it affects only games that don’t save their settings in the cloud. This is why you should play online games that use cloud servers to store files.

How to Enhance Your Security While Playing Games Online?

Here are the best ways to protect yourself while playing games online.

Install Antivirus Software

Never play online games without reliable antivirus software. If any game prompts you to disable your antivirus before installing it, stay away from that game.

Don’t disable your protection, even for a second, because that could be enough for a cybercriminal to get into your system.

Frequently Change Passwords

Changing passwords on a regular basis is absolutely vital. You’ll avoid potential threats if someone hacks the game you’re playing, and leaks the account data.

Never use the same password for more than one account, and consider using a password manager for an extra layer of protection.

Use 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) will keep your accounts even safer. If someone manages to crack your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the verification code sent to your device.

Don’t Engage in Suspicious Chats

If anyone sends you suspicious links in a chat, don’t click on them. Also, don’t fall for chats that seem authentic, but ask for your account information. No game developer will ever ask for that, so simply ignore it.

Use a VPN

A VPN (get one for your Android) will provide you with full protection against cybersecurity threats. A Virtual Private Network makes your connection through a public network private. It hides your real IP address and online activity, encrypts your internet connection, and makes you completely invisible online.

This means that no hacker could ever target you for their criminal gain so that you can enjoy your online games completely stress-free.

There are more cybersecurity threats for online gamers than those above, but these tips will definitely help you stay safe. Apply them today, and immerse yourself in completely safe and secure online gaming.