Whether you could spend afternoons playing role-play games or you love to challenge your mind with a puzzle, playing video games is a fantastic entertainment option. And, it’s made even more exciting by the new video games that debut onto the market every month.
However, as you’ll be playing in the digital space, this hobby carries some risks that should not be overlooked. In this guide, we’ll look at the key strategies that will help you stay safe when playing your favorite games. Let’s dive in.
Manage Your Account Security and Privacy Settings
Getting your account hacked can be catastrophic. It may cause you to become the target of online scams and, if you’ve been making progress with your favorite games, it can destroy all that you have built through hard work and consistency.
Fortunately, when this happens, you are not alone. Just like in the case of getting your Facebook account hacked, when your gaming account is hacked, you can work with a specialist. This can help you safeguard your profile, in-game purchases, and even retrieve lost data. Be sure to avoid delays when asking for help!
Using Strong, Unique Passwords
Strong, unique passwords that are hard to guess but easy to remember are a great way to keep your accounts safe. This may seem like a simple strategy, but it can go a long way to protect yourself and your data. If you are unsure how to get started, here are a few practical tips:
- Use long passphrases instead of single words to enhance password strength.
- Mix letters, numbers, and symbols to create complex passwords.
- Avoid common words or easily guessable phrases in your passwords.
- Choose unpredictable patterns and avoid using personal information that could be easily found on your public profiles.
- Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
- Change your passwords regularly to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Avoiding Suspicious Links and Messages
A recently published report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shows that video game scams and risks are on the rise. So, it is important to understand how to educate and protect yourself against these risks.
Scams can appear different, and they are not all easy to recognize. Generally speaking, consider only engaging with users you know or have enough information. In any case, keep in mind that “safe is better than sorry” – so, if you have a bad feeling about a link or message, stay clear of it!
Common Sense in The Digital Age: Be Mindful About What You Post
Last but not least, be sure to use your common sense when playing video games. For example, you may love to talk to other users about your family life, but it’s worth keeping in mind that sharing your kids’ information can expose them to risks such as data and identity theft.
So, when playing video games, be sure to stick to common sense and trust your gut. If you believe that a player is being abusive or threatening, be sure to block them and report them. After all, everyone has the rights to a safe and enjoyable video game environment.
