In the modern day, It’s not like you have to give up on gaming when you’re out and about. Whether you are in the thick of a multiplayer fight or simply following daily quests, playing on the go is no longer hard. But be safe doing so? That’s a whole other challenge. You can’t afford to be without your protected home network - you need to stay safe while online. Let’s talk about how you can game without affecting your privacy and security when on the road.
A little prep work will always go a long way for gaming on the go. Check if your computer, console, or mobile phone has the most recent software patches before you go out. They are feature-boosting updates and usually include security fixes, which hackers could take advantage of. And while you’re at it, run your antivirus. Is it up to date? A good antivirus can be your first line of defence against malware or phishing attempts, which, unfortunately, are the norm on open networks. Another must is having a secure password on your accounts and devices. Better yet, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security. It may be a simple step, but it can deter a hacker in his tracks.
Public Wi-Fi is everywhere, from airports to hotels - which is convenient but dangerous. These networks are very popular among hackers as they’re easy to hack. If you’re gaming on public Wi-Fi, you’re broadcasting your data for all the world to see with the right tools. The safest alternative? Use mobile data or a public WiFi connection. These are a lot safer bets for online gambling. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you cannot use Wi-Fi. Your internet traffic is encrypted with a VPN, and nobody can easily access your data. You get a cheap-ish option that will help save you big bucks in the long run while protecting you from most potential threats.
Security is not an attribute that applies equally to every gaming platform. Be sure to use popular and trusted platforms that take user security seriously. Steam, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and many others are highly secure. Try not to download new games or apps that aren’t on a platform - particularly from external sites. Always download from the official store (Google Play, Apple’s App Store, or the platform's official site). Links that look suspicious or too good to be true generally are malware or scams. If you are ever in doubt about an app or website, make sure it is well known. For example, in iGaming, you can use an online betting website like 10CRIC India and see that you are safe because of its notoriety - the same applies to any genre.
You’re travelling and may use unfamiliar devices or your accounts from a new place. Thus, you are exposed to phishing attacks. They can be scam emails or texts from official websites demanding that you “check your account” or “forgot your password”. As a general rule of thumb, never open links in emails or messages until you’re confident they’re from the real thing. If you have to check something, visit the platform through its app or website rather than through links.
If you are gaming online, specifically in multiplayer, your profile might show you more information than you thought. Review your privacy profile on all your gaming devices. Make it so no team member can access your private information – you never want your real name, location or contact details publicly accessible. Use voice chat or messages in-game, but be careful what you say. You can forget when you’re having an impromptu game that not everyone in your lobby has good intentions. Remain in the game; do not talk about yourself or give out your real-life details.
The easiest way to keep your gaming safe when you’re out and about is to watch your accounts. Check for spooky activity, such as account logins from new addresses or purchases that weren’t approved. Most game sites will warn you when something’s amiss. If something seems wrong, immediately change your password and report the issue to the platform support team. They can also usually regain control of your account and prevent more hacks.
Playing games online, especially multiplayer games, will use much data. When you’re out on the road, this can result in a surprise bill or a slow connection. So check your mobile data contract before playing to ensure it can accommodate the load. If you’re connecting to your hotspot, remember to consider the data consumption. You can adjust game options to use less data, such as lower graphics settings or disable update auto-downloads.
Oftentimes, we get lost in the digital component of gaming safety and forget about the physical consequences. If you’re playing in public, constantly monitor your devices. Whether you’re looking for a laptop or a gaming console, in places where there are many people, a computer or game console can become a tempting target for thieves.
Gaming on the road is a nice escape after a day of exploring, but be careful with your consumption. With a few tips, you can secure your devices, data, and security. So, do the prep work and enjoy gaming without anxiety. It will be well worth the effort, and once you have everything in place, you can game without worrying from anywhere in the world! Have fun.