The DDos attacks on game servers and large scale data breaches just like GameStop and Playstation Network has experienced and has constantly been in the news. As serious as these stories are, gamers do not see how these can affect them. As a successful online community, it is necessary to take actions that prevent the risks that affect gamers especially. Educate yourself and create the awareness as part of the #GamersForPrivacy movement. The most common risks include:
Risk: Disclosing your IP Address
Disclosing your IP address can expose you to the risk of harmful websites and people who wish disrespect your privacy. The IP address recognizes your computer using the internet protocol in communicating. Thus, making your IP address known to third party websites who are trying to know your location, and your ISP is liable to see the websites you visit, the videos you watch and the people you are communicating with. Do not use services that disclose your IP address like Skype. Do not let your Skype username be seen on the Twitch stream. Harmful viewers can make use of online services to know your IP address using this information and then track down your personal information thus, exposing you to doxxing.
Disclosing your IP address when streaming on Twitch also makes it easy for DDos to attack and knock you out.
Solution: Protect your Privacy by using a VPN
LimeVPN conceals your IP by encrypting your internet connection to protect your communication, data, location and other information private while online. A VPN service can switch your personal IP address with a remote VPN servers IP address, thus creating some kind of privacy which you can’t possibly have while using a public server. Using the virtual private network technology (VPN) enables all your videos, voice calls, text to go through a protected passageway which is between the client’s computer and the VPN server. The LimeVPN provides over 200,000 IP addresses to make sure that your real IP cannot be tampered with DDos attack and NAT Firewall to prevent against unwarranted inbound traffic.
Risk: Compromised Game Accounts
Looking at how companies are exposed to hacking and password leaking, it is necessary to lock down your accounts. If an unwanted person gains access to your game account you have the risk of losing access to your game library, being banned from a game or you risk having your in-game items stolen and sold.
Solution: Unique Passwords and Two Factor Authentication
Signing up for game accounts ensures that you create a username which does not disclose any personal information like your real name or location. Make use of strong password for every service and keep them secure with password management software. Make a habit to change your password every 90 days or any time you hear of service data compromise. Encrypted email service like Tutanota to associate with your game accounts will help protect your information from getting hijacked. Avoid opening dangerous attachments, they can be used to tamper with computer. Two-factor authentication will give additional security through a second source such as sending a code to your phone before you can log in to your game accounts. Majority of the top companies provide two-factor authentication, and it is simple to set up by following these directions:
TwoFactor Auth.org provides a list of individual games and services that provides Two-factor authentication. VPN can also be used to protect your privacy on any public or unsecured connection, making sure that hackers can’t prevent it and hijack your information.
Risk: Disreputable Game Websites
Game can sometimes be very expensive this is why gamers look for alternative to save money. But some third-party resellers can sell a stolen goods and account or steal your credit card information. Several of these game key sales websites have millions of views per month and avoid using HTTPS encryption, which makes visitors information exposed to hackers. Some emails also claims that there is a problem with your game account. These emails look so real and most time target official email accounts. Upon clicking on the link of the mail, it direct you to an unwanted page, trying to hijack your account or information.
Solution: Browse safe and shop smart online
Some site may say they want to sell game code at a very low discount, know the risks. The best thing to do is to know the safe route which is by purchasing games and in-game items from recognized sources and retailers like Steam, Humble Bundle or GOG. These sources have good sales that you can save a lot of money from the game. Do not buy in-game items or game currency that are not on display for sales by recognized sources. Real-Money Trading schemes are from sources are not trustworthy and thus expose you to the risk of your game accounts getting lost. Avoid buying from any website that does not use SSL encryption, denoted by the lock and the HTTPS prefix. Ensure you use a VPN during online shopping when you are connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi. Always clear your browser history to protect important information from third-party. Avoid clicking on emails links even if they seem to be from a reliable source or game account. If you have any issue with the Blizzard account, contact the account management directly on their website or their customer care.
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