Level up: Game safely by following these 6 top tips
Welcome to Threat Intel’s #WednesdayWisdom column, which aims to help improve your cybersecurity knowledge and keep you informed on important developments.
Whether you’re partial to a bit of zombie slaying in the latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise, prefer hunting something a little less scary and a lot more old school, or sneak in a bit of Candy Crush while nobody is looking, chances are you’ve played a video game at some stage in your life. And with the global games market predicted to be valued at almost $109 billion this year, more people than ever are playing. Unfortunately, when something becomes popular and generates a lot of money it also tends to attract shady characters who want to grab a piece of the action.
Whether you play on a console, PC, or mobile device, there are many risks, scams, and other perils that await you in the world of gaming. From cyber bullying, to hidden malware, to losing money, here’s a list of some of the things to watch out for and how to protect yourself when gaming.
1. Beware of fakers
Many games these days involve online player interaction and this brings with it a variety of risks. From online predators to dodgy in-game advertisements that could lead to potentially unwanted applications or even malware being installed on your computer, it’s important to remain vigilant. When playing a game it’s easy to forget that you’re online but remember that things, and people, may not always be what they claim to be.
If you’re a parent, be aware of open chat functions in games and user-generated content that isn’t monitored. Adults also need to be mindful of chat functions in games as they are often used by fraudsters to collect personally identifiable information that can then be used for identity theft. Online scammers are masters at social engineering and can spend a lot of time befriending victims in order to get the information they want. This information may not just be the obvious things such as payment card details but could be virtual goods that can be sold for real-world cash.
Webcams can be great for chatting with friends and family but they can also be used by criminals to spy on and record victims using malware known as creepware or remote access Trojans (RATs). Luckily, good up-to-date security software can protect you against these threats, but if that still isn’t enough to put your mind at rest you can always grab a piece of tape.
2. Stay updated
Keep your games, devices, consoles, and computers up to date. It can be tempting to hold off on those updates, especially when you’re in the middle of an epic Call of Duty marathon, but updates are pushed out for good reasons and patch vulnerabilities that can be used to infect your computer or device. Also, if gaming on a mobile device or computer, making sure you have good security software installed will also help protect you.
3. Protect your privacy
Make sure your privacy is protected. When choosing a user name, don’t pick one that gives away any real personal information such as your real name or location. Also, use an avatar and avoid using a picture of yourself. These tips are especially important for younger players.
Getting rid of your console? Whether you’re upgrading, selling, or even throwing your console or device out in the trash, make sure all your personal information, like account details, has been removed. How to do this depends on your device.
Choose a strong and unique password for each account. Even though this piece of advice is dished out at every opportunity it still gets ignored. However, with password leaks making headlines daily, adhering to this guidance may save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
4. Watch out for bullies
Cyber bullying is a common problem, and not just for younger gamers. It’s important not to engage bullies. If possible, keep a record of any harassment, such as chat logs or screen or audio recordings, as this evidence may be required later. Check the game publisher’s terms of service for details on how to lodge a complaint about another player and, if necessary, provide any evidence you have collected. Many games these days have functionality to allow players to report and block cyber bullies.
5. Don’t get caught out by phishing
Gaming accounts are a prime target for phishing scams, with players often receiving very convincing emails that claim to be from real gaming companies. These emails often claim that there is a problem with the user’s account and will ask the user to sign in by clicking on a link in the email. This link leads to a fake login page and once the user enters their credentials it’s game over and the criminals have all the information they need to compromise the account. As players often have payment cards connected to their accounts in order to purchase in-game items or subscriptions, falling for these phishing scams can be a costly mistake.
If you think you’ve fallen for a phishing scam, you should change your account password and forward the suspicious email to the game developer. And remember, never click on links in emails that ask you to sign in to your account and always type the URL of the legitimate site into your browser directly.
Scammers and fraudsters are always looking for ways to access your sensitive data as it can be used by them to make money. In a recent case that highlights this, Microsoft filed a formal complaint against a Chinese gaming website that was stealing Xbox account information and using it to purchase and sell on in-game items and currency.
6. Don’t download in haste
Cheats, games, updates, and game utilities found on torrent sites or sites unrelated to the game’s developer often contain malware. When downloading content, ensure it’s from a reputable source. Malicious content can also be spread through email, in-game communications, gaming forums, or even chat rooms. Scammers even set up fake game websites that look just like the legitimate versions in order to infect victims’ computers. Malware targeting gamers can have a variety of goals, such as targeting credentials, virtual goods or in-game currency, bank accounts, or even enslaving the user’s computer into a botnet. In addition to risking becoming infected with malware, downloading unofficial content can also lead to account suspension or even prosecution.
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