10 Tips for Staying Safe When Playing Online Video Games

With online gaming growing year after year there are certain things that you should try to remember to help you to stay safe when playing online.

There are several aspects of online gaming you need to evaluate before logging into any site that provides video games. Otherwise, you risk exposing your computer to viruses and spyware capable of both corrupting your files and sending your confidential information (including passwords) to other computers. Safety is therefore important and the first priority to examine. Here are 10 tips to stay safe playing online video games:

1. Hide your name

Most online video games will require your gaming ID or name which is used to identify you within the platform. Everyone wants to have a unique gaming ID which is normal but exposing your full names and other critical information is ultimately careless. For instance, a gaming ID like LASunshineSweetie2003, may easily pass you as a female living in LA and born in 2003 which makes you 13 years old. While this is not your real name, other people viewing this information may quickly use it together with the profile pictures and identify your real names or even other account names and details.

2. Never reveal your identity

When playing online video games, you should never reveal your true identity to other players. This is why you need a gaming name and identity which can just work out fine when they are not your real identification. Never speak about your home, locations, shopping joints, school and neighborhood or such details. Keep things discrete and look out for any tags that may be included on the posts you share on other social media from the game.

3. Go for the strongest passwords

The only way to secure your password is simple and takes a little effort. Choose a password that is foremost unique to the video game and make it 10 characters or more. It should not be a word in any language and should feature letters, numbers and other characters; a strong password that only you can type in.

4. Protect your computer always

Before hitting the play button on your favorite video game, ensure the computer is protected. It is usually advisable to install security software and update them frequently. If possible, first open the software and look for recent updates before you begin playing. This will keep any new malware from getting to your files. It is also important to ensure that the device you are using does not contain family banking accounts, emails and ancestry trees among related confidential details.

5. Block malice-intent players immediately

As aforementioned, there are people who log in to gaming platforms just to create new targets for their evil antics that range from identity theft to spying and infringing on your life. Player-to-player interactions are other opportunities they use to intimidate or lure you into their bidding. If you are uneasy with the interaction, block such players and report then if necessary. It is important to learn and know how to disagree, block and report such people before you even start playing.

6. Turn your webcam off

When playing video games online, it is advisable to turn off your webcam unless the gaming experience requires it. Otherwise, just turn it off so no one can ever know how your place looks like and where you are playing from as this can be inspiration to make you a target. If you do not know how to turn it off, simply unplug the webcam device. It is one of the most basic among the 10 tips to stay safe playing online games.

7. Watch for downloads and cheat programs

It is common for those with malicious intent to send you free download or even tempt you with cheat programs. What could be better than a program that helps you enhance gaming experience or use fewer credits? However, these are the same vehicles they use to install spyware and malware on your devices. It is therefore very important to be careful about receiving downloads and programs from other players.

8. Avoid real-life encounters and emotions online

After playing online video games with other players for a short time, you may be immediately faced with a request for a date. Meeting other players in real life can be nerve-setting and some enthusiasts may consider it exciting and something to give a try. However, it is a high risk and there is no way to verify the intent of someone you meet online. Not every player is who they claim to be and most often project what they know will interest others.

9. Consider site review and reputation

The easiest way to tell if any service, platform or business is dependable to meet all client requirements is through evaluating its reputation. Gaming platforms that have consistently provided secure sites and best gaming experiences will generally have a good reputation. You can always look through comments, reviews and complains from previous and current users of that platform. You can also check the past history and instances where other players were exposed. While it is not usually the fault of the platform, there are many things they can do to protect their players.

10. Consider advanced security

Depending on the video games and sites you are playing, you may consider advanced security options that include hiding your device IP address when playing and sending messages or emails. Use site scanners before loading any website to detect viruses and other malware that may be ready to download in the background.

Conclusion

There are many other minor things you should make a habit of doing before, during and after playing online video games. Do not trust all the email messages you supposedly get from the developing team or platform you play in. such emails may contain attached downloads that are nothing but viruses. Posting information about the video game on your other social network profiles like Facebook and Tweeter may also expose you as an easy target. You should therefore be very careful and keen whenever you are online.

This is by no-way a complete list of steps to take to stay safe when playing games online, for further reading try Stay Safe Online here: http://staysafeonline.org/