Gaming is an increasingly popular hobby, with around half of UK adults playing video games as of 2024, around 20% more than as recently as two decades ago. This is largely due to developments in technology, which are making it easier to play without the need for expensive consoles. Whatever way you choose to do digital gaming, keep your personal information protected by following these top tips for safe gaming online. These simple measures will help ensure every experience is enjoyable, without leaving your data exposed.
- Enable “hardware-bound” multi-factor authentication (MFA)
A growing number of cybercriminals are running AI-driven SIM-swapping frauds. This involves utilising AI to find phone numbers and convince network providers to swap that number to a new device, which they can then use to intercept security codes and access connected accounts, potentially managing to steal a devastating amount of sensitive data and directly withdrawing funds.
Cut the risk of damage being done if this happens to you by choosing authentication methods tied to your physical device rather than your phone number. Passkeys, for example, store secure credentials on your phone or laptop and unlock with biometrics like your fingerprint or face, so even if a criminal learns your password, they still can’t get in. Turn on passkeys or biometric MFA in your account settings before playing.
- Guard Your “Social Engineering” Perimeter
Most scams are effective because of human error rather than hacking success. You should always be on alert for psychological attacks that play on your better nature, such as offers of or requests for ‘gifts’ from other players. These links usually lead to a fake login page where the criminal can gather your data and use it to hack your account – or accounts, if you use the same details across games.
Thanks to AI, once-obvious cybercrime attempts are increasingly hard to spot. Phishing emails and messages read more convincingly and can be timed to arrive at relevant moments during gameplay. Maintain a healthy level of scepticism when interacting with people online and viewing game communication, reporting suspicious activity, and never share your screen with players you don’t trust, in case they’re on the lookout for useful material like pop-ups and recovery codes.
- Secure mobile gaming & chat rooms
Playing on your smartphone is cost-effective and convenient, but it can leave you vulnerable to attack without appropriate protections in place. Mobile gaming has become a primary target for ‘data scrapers’ because we carry these devices everywhere and the hold vast amounts of sensitive information, include card details and emails.
Especially when you’re engaging in high-social mobile games like bingo, prioritising security is paramount. Many modern casual gaming apps feature live chat facilitating real-time community interactions, giving criminals a place to hide in plain sight and gain user trust. Never use your full name as a username and remember that innocent players will never request personal information.
When playing on the go, avoid connecting to insecure public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, use a VPN for your phone which keeps key data like game balance and chat history encrypted against prying eyes.
- Use Safe Payment Methods
Several games invite spending as a way to elevate gameplay, such as offering special skins for purchase or the chance to buy additional lives and resources. This naturally exposes you to financial fraud, but it can be approached with confidence.
Instead of linking your main debit card, generate a new payment method with a fixed spending cap. Single-use payment methods give you control by limiting what anyone can access if something goes wrong.
- Audit Your “Permissions” Regularly
Games and companion apps often ask for access to hardware features like your microphone or location. Often these are required for the game to run smoothly but leaving access open when you’re not playing can reveal more about you than you realise.
At the end of each session, take back control of what your device shares by reviewing your settings and toggling off any unnecessary permissions. You can also check for any permissions you’ve automatically given that allow companies to gather your data. Where these don’t directly benefit gameplay, you can turn them off permanently, quietly strengthening your privacy without affecting your experience.
Photo by Sanket Mishra
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