- Do not deactivate your security solution
This is still a frequent practice among those who want to optimize the resources of their equipment or accelerate them, but it is a mistake: it could leave you exposed to infections.
Keyloggers, exploits or malware that could make your PC part of a botnet are just as real in the gamer world as in any other online activity, so you need your security solution proactively detecting any possible risk. And you do not need to give up the full functionality of your favorite game: products with gamer mode do not cause interruptions or lag problems.
- Download only legal games and official repositories
False cracks of popular and expected titles will never be absent, as happened this year with Mortal Kombat X or previously with Crysis 3. Those eager to download them will not only be disappointed not to receive the game, but could end up being victims of malware that will search steal your personal information or credit card details, to provide economic revenue to the cyber criminals behind.
On the other hand, recognized virtual stores will provide guarantees in the transaction. On the other hand, if you opt for an unofficial version or "pirate", you may end up losing more money than the original game.
- Be careful with the information you share in forums
We know that gamer communities are a good place to make contacts, look for new tactics or evacuate doubts (and for the less patient, look for cheats), but many cybercriminals point to the game forums to obtain long lists of users and passwords.
So, if you are going to participate in a forum, never post your access credentials and try to use a password (and as far as possible, an account) different from the one you use to access the game in question. It is also not advisable that your user reflects your real name or details of your identity.
Remember that many scammers will pose as expert players willing to help you, and they will ask for your information to do so. Do not deliver them!
- Pay attention: Social Engineering also adapts to gamers
In addition to fake cracks, we have found phishing campaigns using well-known video games names and fraudulent offers of valuables in places like Steam's Marketplace, where a "free" screensaver was offered that only masked the theft of goods.
The scams will generally seek to steal access credentials, so remember to login by logging directly to the official site and never enter your password on a page that you arrived at through a redirect that could be suspicious.
- Use robust and different passwords for each platform
For being the entrance doors to accounts that host sensitive information and personal data, passwords need all your care: learn how to build a secure password.
Unfortunately, the reuse of passwords is still frequent and is combined with the choice of predictable combinations and little robust. But to avoid worries like "I can not remember so many complex keys", you can use a password manager.
Activate double authentication in gaming services
With so many major attacks on online games, many companies realized that it was time to offer double authentication to their users. This practice helps to prevent the theft of information, since it makes access to accounts difficult and guarantees protection in case the password is leaked.Close your session when you finish playing in services such as Origin or Steam
If they invite you to play collectively, use an open network or an unknown team, make sure to close your session so they do not steal your account or your achievements, or make purchases with your data.
If someone takes control of your session and manipulates your account, in addition to playing for you, you will have access to your banking information and personal information, so you must safeguard it. That an impostor finishes the game that you come playing is already serious enough, but imagine if someone stole the information from your credit card!
- Beware of the friends you add
Bitcoin thieves, gold farmers, trolls or simply cybercriminals are characters that you want to avoid, so you should be cautious when interacting online and try not to give too many real personal details. To tell the truth, you will hardly know who is on the other side: perhaps even a teammate may not be who he claims to be, and be there only to spread threats or catch unsuspecting victims.
However, you do not have to be one of them; Apply these tips for gamers and play without worries.
