Gaming accounts are becoming a valuable asset, perhaps even more than parents may realize. It’s no longer about the value of the games linked to the account, as companies have introduced various details like loot crates, tradeable skins, and other forms of virtual currency which have made some people’s accounts attractive targets to attackers. When you can sell a simple game skin for several hundred dollars and have an account that holds dozens of those skins at a time, this can become a serious problem.
How to Stay Safe
Most gaming services offer 2-factor authentication options for their logins, and it’s a good idea to activate that and keep it on at all times. It’s a great additional barrier to someone who might have obtained your password through illicit channels, and while it will still not stop an attacker who has access to your other device, it will go a long way towards making your account more secure. You should also avoid reusing the same nickname on all platforms. It might be tempting to maintain a consistent gamer identity on the Web, but it also makes it very easy for an attacker to track down your other profiles once they’ve targeted you on one platform.
Furthermore, if you enjoy online gambling, it’s essential to adopt similar precautions to protect your accounts. Since monetary transactions are common in online casinos, there can be a financial risk to your accounts and money if you choose an unreputable casino. Fake casinos tend to exploit vulnerabilities, posing a significant threat to your financial security. Therefore, it’s crucial to opt for reputable online casinos with a proven track record of secure transactions. Additionally, before playing at a specific platform, it’s advisable to check reviews in advance like the Sportingbet Casino Review (if that’s your platform of choice) to learn more about the legitimacy and security of your chosen establishment.
Similarly, in gacha games like Genshin Impact, where online transactions are required to buy characters and weapons, it’s vital to take proactive measures to protect your financial information and personal data. Implementing 2-factor authentication for your gaming accounts is a wise step, serving as an additional barrier against unauthorized access, especially if your password is compromised. While it may not entirely thwart an attacker with access to your other devices, it significantly enhances the overall security of your accounts.
Are All Games at Risk?
Not all games are that problematic, admittedly. Free racing games that are played online, as well as other browser-based offers tend to be more reliable and less susceptible to attacks of this type, mostly because they are not tied to any specific accounts. Many casual puzzle games or simple arcade-style games available through web browsers or mobile apps also fall into this category of relatively low-risk gaming options. These types of games, which operate independently and do not involve sensitive personal information or monetary exchanges, are often considered safer alternatives. Similarly, classic games like solitaire, which can be played online without requiring any account or financial transactions, generally pose minimal risk. However, it’s always advisable to exercise caution and follow best practices when engaging in any online activity.
Changes Are Coming
Things will likely not remain as they are forever. It’s very likely that we’re going to see some changes in the way online gaming services work, especially those that give access to loot crates and premium skins. There is already some talk in the industry about a more centralized approach to account creation and linking, and more secure systems that drive the whole thing in the background, but we haven’t seen any concrete implementations yet. We’re confident that something is going to come up sooner or later though, and hopefully it will set a proper trend for the whole market.
Online gaming is not going anywhere, that’s a fact. But it is very likely going to change in some significant ways in the near future, mostly related to the way companies handle the security and privacy of their users. With Steam introducing new profile privacy settings, GOG following suit and other companies eyeing the idea as well, it’s only a matter of time before the gaming world is completely changed, and gamers have to jump through a few extra hoops to play their favorite titles. But it will very likely be for the better.