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10 Ways to Protect Your Privacy While Playing Online Games

Hackers continue to try to access players' personal information for their benefit as the popularity of online games increases
Online game
Online Gaming Privacy. Source: VCGamers

Hackers and companies continue to attempt to access players' personal information for their benefit as the popularity of online gaming increases. Don't assume that game security is guaranteed and out of control. In 2021, EA become a victim of hacking. No game is immune from this. However, by following a few simple steps, gamers can enjoy all the benefits of virtual adventures without worrying about privacy violations.

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Pay Attention to Passwords

To safeguard yourself from the threats, it is advised to utilize a distinct and randomized password, with a minimum of 16 characters, for each of your gaming accounts. Remembering all of your unique passwords presents an almost insurmountable challenge. Thus, we recommend employing a password manager to handle the task of remembering them for you. A password manager makes use of an encrypted vault to securely create and store passwords, all of which are safeguarded by a master password chosen by the user – the only password you will need to remember.

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Use a VPN

To establish a secure and private connection to the internet, you can download a VPN. This encrypted connection treats your internet access as if it were on a local area network, safeguarding your data from prying eyes. It also appears as though your network traffic originates from the gaming VPN server's IP address rather than your own. However, it is crucial to select a reputable VPN provider and avoid using an employer's VPN or any other service that may compromise your privacy. For secure gaming and maintaining online privacy, experts often recommend using VeePN. It has powerful security technologies, high-speed servers, and an affordable price.

Pick a Random Username

PII encompasses personal details such as birthdays, names (including middle names), age, and more. Although seemingly innocuous, any minuscule fragment of information can be exploited by threat actors to target you online. Opt for a username that ensures complete anonymity, preventing online gamers from linking your account to the digital trail linked with your actual name.

Block Data Collection

Did you know that while playing your favorite video game to relax, some of them secretly install sneaky services in the background, collecting data about you? Take control and block these invasive programs from siphoning off personal information by adjusting your Windows hosts file. Just add an IP address (0.0.0.0) and hostname associated with the service, then watch as they're rerouted away from troublesome remote servers!

Another option is to install a VPN, tricking the system and preventing the game from collecting real user data. In the same way, for data protection while playing mobile games, you can use iOS VPN; installing it is even easier. Reviews are a great resource to learn more about connecting to a VPN and its role in a gamer's life – a continuously updated premier source for the right information.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA enhances the security of your account by requiring hackers to possess something you have (like a hardware token or cell phone) or something you are (like your fingerprint), in addition to something you know (like a password), to access your account details.

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Don’t Share PII

Sometimes, online gamers become friends or engage in conversations while working together on game objectives. However, it's important to remember that conquering a digital fortress with someone doesn't automatically mean that they can be trusted with personal information.

It is advisable to abstain from sharing personally identifiable information (PII), such as your location, even if your response is vague. If necessary, employing a strategy of providing false information when confronted with such questions can be an effective tactic to thwart threat actors who attempt to piece together details about your identity and whereabouts.

Read Privacy Policies

Whenever you visit a genuine gaming site or use an MMO service, ensure that they have a readily available privacy policy that outlines the data collected, its usage, and the security measures in place. It's advisable to prefer companies that either don't gather personal data or grant you the ability to opt-out. If you have multiple choices for an ISP in your area, consider selecting the one that provides maximum privacy protection.

Avoid Using Cheat Applications

Most of us aspire to win when playing a game, but caution should be exercised when it comes to cheating. Downloading specific applications that grant our character superhuman abilities can have far-reaching and disastrous consequences, not only impacting the gaming experience of other players but also jeopardizing your security. These apps can provide an opportunity for hackers to steal personal information or exploit your computer for unauthorized cryptocurrency mining. In addition, they might extort ransom money from you, leading to complete isolation from the game. So, before opting for shortcuts by downloading cheats, evaluate whether it's worth risking everything for just winning one battle.

Unlink Your Social Media Accounts

Game companies, including the ones mentioned earlier, actively track all in-game communications and occasionally extend their monitoring to social media posts. For instance, Riot Games collects social data from users who link their Facebook accounts to their Riot Games accounts, as confirmed by their privacy policy.

Learn to Recognize Common Scams

Common phishing, spoofing, and malware attacks frequently target the online gaming community. Stay informed about their appearance by following reliable sources such as trusted gaming companies or game news websites. Being aware of the latest scams can help you avoid becoming a victim.

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The less information the game and its developers know about you, the lower the likelihood of negative consequences for you in the event of hacking. In 90% of cases, the culprit is the gamer himself. using standard passwords or the same password everywhere. However, if it happens when the game itself is hacked, then the measures to protect against the disclosure of personal information that you took earlier will be very useful.


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