Internet gaming is a fun and convenient way to entertain yourself, but as with any online activity, you must protect against cyber threats that can have devastating consequences. Your gaming accounts contain valuable personal information, sometimes including your bank details if you play games like online bingo or classic casino favourites. Should this data fall into the wrong hands, you could become a victim of fraud and suffer financial loss. 

Follow these top tips for playing online safely to ensure your personal information stays secure.  

  • Protect with passwords 

Most websites and apps require you to add a password when you create a gaming account. Make sure your password is strong for proper protection against hackers. Although it’s easier to remember familiar words and numbers, avoid using anything associated with your life such as names and the year you were born. These are easy to guess, especially now cybercriminals can use AI-driven software to speed up their tests. 

Passwords should be a chain of random words or letters, incorporating numbers and symbols throughout. If you need help remembering them, write them down on paper rather than on your phone. 

  • Set up two-factor authentication 

Support your password protection with two-factor authentication. This adds another layer of security which can be turned on for every new login, when suspicious activity is detected or on a regular schedule such as on the first of each month.  

Examples of two-factor authentication include getting a code sent to your phone number or email address and biometric tests like fingerprinting. These help verify it’s really you and make it difficult for hackers to access your account even if they have your password. 

  • Be careful sharing information 

As a rule, you should be careful sharing any personal information online, but when this is necessary, ensure the platform you’re using is secure. Check for the ‘s’ after the ‘http’ in the URL—this authenticates the website and shows that your connection is encrypted.  

Always think before you share the information, looking for signs that it could be a phishing scam, such as urgency, spelling errors, or unusual requests. An example would be a text message to your phone from an unknown number asking you to verify your gaming account immediately, or you risk it being deactivated. 

  • Update your software 

Finally, make sure you update your software whenever a new version is released. This should include game programs and platforms and personal cybersecurity software, such as antivirus software.  

The latest variations will have security features designed specifically to safeguard against current dangers as well as improvements to your game or device functionality.