If you play video games, you are an ideal target to get wrecked by hackers.
Still, there are some unassailable, totally exploitable truths about gamers: They are very online.
They enter to a lot of stuff.
They have some money.
They want to be better than other gamers.
And theylike to usethe password “Dragon.”
And somehow, they got leaked.
Now, they’re begging for big refunds and scurrying to protect themselves from further financial harm.
It was a preventable disaster.
And we’re here to teach you how to prevent it.
Here some some tips on how to stay safe while gaming.
What matters when it comes to security?
That sucks to hear, I know.
Security is like a balloon.
If there’s even one hole, it’s not a balloon anymore.
Password leaks happen all the time on all sorts of sites.
And then you get screwed.
It’s that simple.
Think about everything you have an account for.
Where do I start?
Start with your passwords.
We all know “Password123” is easy to guess.
But so is"Dragon.
you gotta have crazy passwords for everything.
Spend a few days recording which websites and apps you use regularly.
For gamers, that list might include Battle.net, Steam or Xbox Live.
Write all of it down.
Then…..
Download a password manager
You simply cannot remember 20 very strong passwords.
If it’s possible for you to, your passwords probably aren’t strong.
You need a password manager.
And a lot of password managers can even help you come up with secure passwords.
Other people like 1Password.
it’s possible for you to also get a special app that generates this code on your phone.
No one will be able to log into your account unless they enter that code into the client.
Lots of gaming apps let you enable two-factor authentication.
or some other service not listed, then I have some advice for you: E-mail them!
confirm they know you want this security feature.
Basic two-factor is something worth demanding.
Maybe that’s cool with you.
Maybe it’s not.
Either way, you should know whether you’re leaking personal information you don’t want leaked.
Your PlayStation, Xbox, Steam account, etc.
all have privacy parameters.
Recognize Phishing
Wow, free Fortnite V-Bucks!
All I need to do is enter my social security number into the website f0rtn1te.net!
Nothing cool is free in online gaming.
Any sites or people offering free video game skins, currency, etc.
are shady, and especially if a stranger messages links to you through an online game.
Sometimes, hackers will copy the look and feel of sites you frequent to make their scam see legitimate.
That said, it’s hard to vet how safe online friends are.
And it’s easy to leverage even the tiniest bits of personal information against someone.
Somtetimes, even just knowing your mom’s maiden name can be the key to your goods.
It might not even take that much.
People voluntarily over and Facebook all the time.
You will need to rely on your own judgment when it comes to trusting strangers.
Did I deserve to have my $600 laptop destroyed?
But did I have it coming?
Games' Terms of Service exist to protect developers, yes, but also, to protect gamers.
The sad, solemn truth is that it is impossible to account for everything.
Good hacks happen to good, vigilant people.
