Gaming is a great leisure activity and a way to connect with friends and family. Thanks to technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more popular, which kept the world indoors more than usual. Statistics reveal that there are currently about 3.24 billion gamers worldwide! Although it can be fun with new trends emerging in the gaming world, it’s essential to be security conscious. Doing this will help you have the best experience and avoid exposing yourself. Here are a few practical tips for safe online gaming. 

1. Avoid using shortcuts

If you find yourself deeply engrossed in a murder mystery game and want to be the first to solve the case, you may be considering a ‘cheat’ code to skip some steps and win faster. However, doing this could expose you and your private information to viruses that could crash your devices. So, why not embrace the challenge and see your game through, to be on the safer side? Going through all the motions will make your victory even sweeter!

1. Protect your computer

Before downloading or playing any games, it’s best to ensure your computer is adequately secured. You should update your antivirus and software regularly to prevent hackers from accessing your device. If you often use open Wi-Fi to play your games, it would help if you got a VPN to protect your data, such as your location, browsing history, etc. As you put in measures to protect your device, remember to use strong passwords so people can’t easily access it without your knowledge. Although your password should be easy to remember, it shouldn’t be so simple that people can quickly guess it.

2. Be mindful of your personal information

Most games require that you register before you can start playing. Although you may want to give as much information as possible, it’s best to avoid using too many personal details, as this could expose you. A simple username will enable you to access your game. Registering all your sensitive personal information could provide hackers with the ammunition they need to access your data, which could lead to identity theft, invasion of your privacy, etc. 

3. Opt for original games

There are so many options to choose from in the gaming world, but not all are original. Buying original games from trusted app stores will help you avoid infringing on the rights of those who designed the game and avoid potentially breaking any laws. Pirated versions often don’t have the essential updates to protect your device and have the best user experience. Most pirated copies are also more likely to expose your device to malware, which could damage your computer. 

4. Monitor your kids

If you’re a parent, this step is vital. Gaming can expose your kids to harmful practices and cyberbullies if you don’t put any measures in place. To minimize the possibility of such issues as much as possible, it would help if you activated some parental controls on their computer or gaming device. You can also use this as an opportunity to bond with them by playing the games together as much as you can, to keep an eye on their activities, and help guard them against inappropriate content. 

These practical tips will help you have a memorable gaming experience while keeping you safe. As you play, don’t forget to take regular breaks to allow you to rest your eyes, back, and brain. It would help if you also guarded against getting addicted, as that could have adverse effects.