Nowadays, online games are getting more and more popular, especially among the younger generation. Technology is thriving, and almost every person has a smartphone and access to the Internet. Every day we have to commute to work, avoid the routine and have some fun. Online games keep us entertained in our spare time or during boring moments. But what is the cost of spending time in that way? Besides addiction, there are a lot of threats on the Internet that we have to be aware of. Find out how to protect your smartphone when gaming online.
Secure your personal information
To create the profile, we usually have to register with a name or nickname and email address. Occasionally, they require the card number, but it’s not always compulsory.
You shouldn’t share data with anybody, and set a strong password. The best way to protect your data is by setting a few passwords for different accounts and using two-factor authentication. Use other passwords for the email, bank account, and other significant accounts because hackers can get your personal information through the game if it’s not secured properly.
Social media profiles contain lots of personal information. Even a real full name and profile picture can put you in danger of theft. Hackers can use almost everything to steal your account or even money. Even popular Bluetooth connection might be dangerous, as explains AT&T Business blog.
To prevent that, you are not supposed to overshare your game profile and progress on social media.
Keep your phone updated
Companies like Google or Apple create and improve versions of operating systems continuously. It can be a problem if you don’t have an updated version. It can lead to more exposure to danger and theft.
To be better prepared, set up an automatic installation for the software update to fix bugs and contain security improvements. It helps with vulnerabilities and provides more security from hackers, which in details explains Guiding Tech.
How to avoid hackers and scammers
Hackers can get personal data from any source. Gaming online brings a risk of many threats like losing access to the account or the data. In the worst case, the user can even suffer from financial damage. It’s possible on sites that require making a transaction. To avoid troubles, always use a safe and secure site to play with real money, e.g., platforms like Asiabet. It’s a site with online casinos that can be trusted as the safety measures are clear and briefly explained, similarly to the rules of the games, so that the players make their own safe choice.
Some steps can help you with protecting your smartphone during gaming online:
- Don’t open unauthorized emails – it may look like a newsletter with free rewards, but it’s better to look twice at the web address and don’t get scammed.
- Use two-factor authentication on your accounts – it requires a second proof to verify if you are the user. It may take a little longer to log in, but it’s a much safer way for your data.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi – hackers can use unsecured connections to distribute malware. Disabling Bluetooth is also a great step to protect your phone.
- Manage app permission – usually, apps require permission for the camera, microphone, location, or contacts. Deny it for apps that you don’t often use, and always keep track of which you have given it.
- Don’t store personal data on your phone – important documents or files can be easily stolen from you, as well as your geotagging. It’s better to store it on a disk and have a backup in case of losing it.
- Use an antivirus – it can prevent hackers from stealing passwords and account information. Some of them will scan the app after it’s been installed on the phone.
- Avoid pirated versions of a game – hackers can damage your phone or install ransomware, which will lock your smartphone and force you to pay them for unlocking it.
Conclusion
Gaming online can be an amazing and amusing way to spend your free time or relieve you from boredom. Giving away a name, password, email or number, during the registration to the game can be as easy as stealing it. That’s why protecting a smartphone when gaming online is crucial to feel protected and enjoy playing a game.