4 Mobile Security Tips for Gamers

Mobile gaming is increasingly becoming the most popular form of gaming, with half of Americans now gaming on smartphones and other mobile devices, according to Mintel research. Unfortunately, the popularity of mobile gaming has made gamers a target for hackers.

Steam has disclosed that 77,000 of its accounts get hacked each month. Popular game platforms such as Sega have also been used to steal user information. Sensitive information thieves target include passwords, emails, and financial data.

If you’re a mobile gamer, taking steps to protect yourself from hackers is essential for an enjoyable and safe gaming experience.

Use a Secure Device

A secure gaming experience starts with a suitable device with strong built-in security features. Today’s most secure smartphones include several key security innovations. Encryption is activated automatically on iPhones when you set your passcode, and can be enabled manually on Android devices under your security settings. Today’s cutting-edge devices allow you to lock your device with not only a passcode or password, but also biometric authentication tools such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. The latest devices also include on-device hardware-assisted security scanning, supported by artificial intelligence for automated detection of intrusions.

To make the most of these advanced security features, it’s important to follow good basic security practices to secure your device. Make sure you enable your phone’s lock screen. Turn on your phone’s firewall, and install an antivirus app if your phone doesn’t already have one. Turn on your Apple device’s Find my iPhone feature or download the Find My Device app for Android devices so that you can locate your phone or remotely wipe your data if it is lost or stolen.

Stick to Safe Apps

Another key to gaming safely is sticking to secure apps. Apps from unauthorized sources such as third-party distribution platforms may not have been tested for security bugs, or may even contain deliberate malware. Only downloading apps from official sources will help you avoid this issue.

Outdated apps can also present a security risk. Recent ransomware attacks have targeted outdated operating systems. Follow your phone’s instructions when you receive update notifications for your operating system, gaming apps, or other apps.

Play over Secure Networks

Logging onto mobile gaming platforms through unsecure connections can also expose you to security risks. Hackers intercept data sent over unsecure networks, including public Wi-Fi hotspots and home networks with poor protection. You can keep your connection safe by logging on through a secured network such as a virtual private network (VPN), which uses encryption to encode the data you send.

Encryption can also protect you when transmitting data through websites. Password or financial data can be compromised when you send it through a website with poor security. When sending sensitive data online, only use sites with an HTTPS in the URL, which represents encryption protection.

Monitor Your Identity

These steps will help protect your information when you’re gaming online. However, despite your best safeguards, there is always a risk that your identity may be stolen. For instance, even if you follow all security precautions, a gaming platform you use may be hacked on the server’s end through no fault of your own.

To guard yourself against the risk of identity theft, your best defense is to register for an identity theft protection service that can monitor your identity and notify you if there are any signs of suspicious activity so you can take appropriate action. An identity protection service can monitor your credit report, as well as the dark web, to give you an early warning if your identity has been compromised. They can also help you alert credit bureaus, financial providers, and law enforcement authorities in order to prevent further damage to your identity and help you begin the process of restoring your identity.

Prevention is Key

Hackers are targeting mobile gamers, but you can protect yourself by following good security procedures. Choosing a secure device as your gaming platform gives you an edge with built-in security tools. Using safe apps and connecting over secure networks denies hackers opportunities to steal your data. Monitoring your identity helps you recover more rapidly if your data becomes compromised. Following these guidelines can help keep your gaming experience safe and fun.

Monitor Your Identity

These steps will help protect your information when you’re gaming online. However, despite your best safeguards, there is always a risk that your identity may be stolen. For instance, even if you follow all security precautions, a gaming platform you use may be hacked on the server’s end through no fault of your own.
To guard yourself against the risk of identity theft, your best defense is to register for an identity theft protection service that can monitor your identity and notify you if there are any signs of suspicious activity so you can take appropriate action. An identity protection service can monitor your credit report, as well as the dark web, to give you an early warning if your identity has been compromised. They can also help you alert credit bureaus, financial providers, and law enforcement authorities in order to prevent further damage to your identity and help you begin the process of restoring your identity.

Prevention is Key

Hackers are targeting mobile gamers, but you can protect yourself by following good security procedures. Choosing a secure device as your gaming platform gives you an edge with built-in security tools. Using safe apps and connecting over secure networks denies hackers opportunities to steal your data. Monitoring your identity helps you recover more rapidly if your data becomes compromised. Following these guidelines can help keep your gaming experience safe and fun.