You may not think there’s much danger in online gaming and that safeguards must surely exist to protect you or your children while playing. But the fact is there are some warning signs you can look out for while you play your favorite games with friends or strangers that should be noted. Here are eight important tips for staying safe during your online gaming sessions. The tips relate to health, stranger danger, and the safeguarding of your personal information.
Have the Right Attitude Towards Online Gaming
It’s better not to be naive when it comes to online gaming since many people have either suffered identity theft through these channels or become victims of cyberbullying. Remember that there are safeguards to prevent these types of issues, but you have to be the one to put them in place.
Download Games from Trustworthy Sources
When it comes to when you want to download games, it’s best to do so via the most trusted gaming sites. One of the best pieces of advice you can take is to download games from gaming platforms or websites that have cyber security as well as a reputation for being reliable.
This is easy enough to do with your browser. Google search sites and platforms to see what others have said about them. If they seem obscure or not well known, avoid them and teach your kids to do the same.
Keep a Username & Password Notebook
Losing your password or your username can constrain you to a loop of frustration. Retrieving these important bits of information is not always straightforward, so it’s best to keep physical records of them in a notebook that you can refer to.
Consider Getting a VPN
A VPN is one of the strongest safety measures you can take while gaming online. Whether you’re on a console, a PC, or a mobile device, a VPN is compatible with each of them and often gives you multiple accounts for one subscription.
With a VPN installed on your device, you’ll not only get more web access, but your data will always remain encrypted. VPNs also have a kill switch to cut you off from dangerous sites should you visit one.
Be Careful About Your Conversations
What you say on online gaming chats is super important. Saying anything that may be construed as cyberbullying or abusive language could get your account blocked. But more importantly, what you say may be too revealing as well.
Information thieves frequent online gaming chats, always on the lookout for personal information that may be inadvertently provided by something you say. Keep your location (even your general location), your real name, and details about your family a secret. Also, avoid giving out any kind of numbered information like credit card details, phone numbers, or even your financial status.
Drink Water While You Game
While it’s not common, it’s also not unheard of that people sometimes suffer from health problems because they are so engulfed in the games they play. Have regular meals drink water, and keep to your regular sleep routine. The game will still be there tomorrow, so don’t get too engulfed that it affects your regular life.
Take Breaks
Always take breaks in between your gaming sessions. Live gaming sessions can take a long time to finish, but always make sure you take a break after at least one hour of gaming. Your eyes, muscles, and bones will start to strain if you don’t give yourself a timeout regularly.
Turn gaming Into a Family Activity
While online gaming has never been as community-based as it is now, today’s web access has enabled children and adults alike to play with hundreds of other people. However, when console gaming came out, it was seen as an activity that could be shared among family members.
As a family activity, parents and guardians will become familiar with what games are being played, what people are saying on chats, and how much time their loved ones are spending on gaming as a pastime.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe while you game online allows you to enjoy the games as they were meant to be enjoyed. Fantasy RPGs can fool you into thinking time is going slow when, in fact, hours have gone by, so take note of the time you spend playing and be sure to nourish and rest yourself. Online games that involve lots of other people mean engaging with them, so be careful what you say and what information you volunteer. Other than that, enjoy your gaming!