If you think about online gaming safety, you are already more secure than 80% of other players. You may not be using all the principles in the online gaming safety guide, but the more you apply the better. If you protected yourself from account hacking by guessing passwords, but it was intercepted, then everything was in vain. An integrated approach is the best security solution that exists today. Frankly, the tips listed below apply not only to consoles but also to any gaming device.

Tips for Secure Online Gaming

#1 Create a Strong Password

Long, complex, and unique passwords are employed by winners. The strongest passwords consist of at least 12 characters, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Ideally, your password should not resemble a word or phrase. Moreover, each online account should have a distinct password. Remembering might seem challenging, but password managers are now more user-friendly than ever before. Many smartphones and web browsers offer integrated password managers. The finest password managers even provide suggestions for robust passwords.

#2 Use a VPN

This applies not only to console gamers but also to PC gamers. Speaking more globally, this is important for everyone who uses the Internet. With VPN for PCs or consoles, you can encrypt data, that is, protect yourself from interception. If you decide to download VeePN for Windows, you can also hide your real IP address. This provides some advantages: you cannot be attacked by hackers, you can bypass bans, and you will not be overcharged for services and goods if you were interested in them before. Considering that VeePN has a free trial mode, this is an ideal protection measure in all respects. And it is not so important what device or type of activity we are talking about.

#3 Beware of Cyberbullies

Users in online games often have the opportunity to interact with each other. This interaction can be valuable for sharing tips and tricks. However, some users may exploit this feature to engage in cyberbullying, such as using offensive language or making others uncomfortable. It’s important to report such behavior, as many games provide ways of flagging toxic actions and inappropriate language. Make sure to report any users who exhibit negative behavior online.

#4 Check Your Game Library

Nearly 50% of the global games market is dominated by mobile gaming! However, it is crucial to remember that availability on a trusted app store doesn’t automatically guarantee the safety of a game app. To ensure your device’s security, take the necessary precautions before downloading any new gaming app. Prioritize legitimacy by thoroughly examining reviews and conducting a quick search engine investigation!

#5 Avoid Pirate Games

Using a pirated copy of a game prevents you from updating and patching to the latest version, and you won’t receive support for upcoming enhancements to your gaming experience. Risks include malware embedded in the pirated game files, which can infect your computer, crash it, or destroy your data.
Purchasing an original copy not only ensures legal compliance but also respects the intellectual property rights of the software authors. You can do smarter – buy original games cheaper. To do this, you need to download a free VPN, register in an international and multi-currency financial application, and then change your region in Sony, the App Store, Steam, etc. Typically, in Argentina, the price of games is several times lower than in the USA. Plus, discounts in each region are different, somewhere it is 80%, and somewhere 30% for the same title.

#6 Make the Most of MFA

MFA, also known as 2-factor authentication, enhances account security. Games and gaming systems now support MFA, which involves biometrics like face ID scans or fingerprint access, security keys, or apps that send unique, one-time codes. We highly recommend using MFA whenever available. It fortifies your loot crate like a protective castle!

#7 Protect Personal Information

Sharing too much personal information with other online players is a common mistake, and it extends beyond just usernames. People of all ages and genders may assume false identities during gaming due to the anonymity it offers. Therefore, you might find yourself chatting with someone who claims to be a 13-year-old girl but is a 42-year-old male with a criminal history.
It’s important to remember to keep your personal information private, even if you feel comfortable with your fellow players. Even seemingly harmless details, like your school or your plans for the weekend, can be used against you if they end up in the wrong hands.

#8 Take Extra Care with In-Game Purchases

To maintain control over your finances, it is important to manage your in-app purchases. You can enable or disable these purchases through your device’s settings if you are concerned about your bill. Many popular gaming applications thrive on the freemium business model, utilizing in-app purchases. However, it is easy to lose track of your spending, especially when gaming online, especially on mobile devices.
To avoid overspending, limit your expenses and resist the temptation to spend “just a little more” repeatedly. Otherwise, your phone bill could skyrocket in no time.
Additionally, it’s crucial to exercise caution when sharing your financial information with unknown app developers. Although rare, there have been instances of individuals losing significant amounts of money due to fraudulent applications that exploit personal information.

Conclusion

If you have MFA activated, have VPN protection, and have a strong password, plus you think before you do anything, you are 99% secure. A well-armed and well-funded hacker can and will be able to break into your network, but no one will spend tens of thousands of dollars to hack into a gaming PC. If this is not advisable for a hacker, then you can assume that you are safe. Just change your passwords sometimes and everything will be fine.