Whether you are just starting in the gaming realm or have been playing on your PC for a long time, it is important to recognize just how many online scams are involved in the industry. From basic phishing tactics to spreading malware in online gaming lobbies, cybercriminals have ruthlessly attacked players worldwide.
It might be a little safer if you are into coding and using Linux for your gaming setup. But what if you are a gamer who enjoys a Windows PC? Read on to find out how to protect your computer and sensitive data online and prevent cybercriminals from targeting you.
Also Read: Best Budget VPNs for Secure Internet Access
1. Enable Built-in Security Features
If you prefer to play on Windows, there is no need to download external programs for basic security features. In fact, Windows has quite a few solutions for you to use to strengthen your PC’s security, including:
- Windows Security for the first line of defense as an antivirus and a firewall;
- SmartScreen to stop phishing websites and malware from downloading malicious files on your PC;
- Windows Defender Application Guard to safeguard your storage while you are using Microsoft Edge;
- Windows Defender Exploit Guard for keeping applications and the operating system safe from exploits, malware, or any unauthorized action;
- User Account Control to prevent software from installing or making any changes to the existing system unless you approve it;
- Microsoft BitLocker for encrypting sensitive data with a passkey to guard it from third-party access;
- Windows Defender Credential Guard for keeping your login details safe when using software and browsers. Specifically, it can protect information like Kerberos tickets, NTLM password hashes, and domain login information;
- Unified Extensible Firmware Interface to help your operating system boot without trouble. It also has a Secure Boot feature that prevents rootkits from running at startup and loads only reliable software before the operating system begins.
These tools may differ depending on your Windows version, but regardless, they provide solid protection against malware and data theft as you immerse yourself in online gaming.
Also Read: How to Prevent and Protect Against Ransomware Attacks: Ultimate Guide
2. Use Complex Passwords
Ask yourself a question: how many gaming-related accounts do you have? Because it is definitely not just one. A few games online, a marketplace to shop for new releases, forums, messengers, and so on—the number of accounts quickly adds up. Some of these accounts even have sensitive data about you, like your credit card information. So, protecting them with strong passwords is crucial.
Password security is a key factor in online safety because it is the primary gatekeeper that keeps hackers from breaking into your accounts and carrying out malicious attacks with your personal information. This is why all your passwords should be unique and difficult to crack.
Do not use basic word or number combinations, such as “12345678,” or input personal information like your dog’s name. Instead, use long and random sequences of lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
If you find it difficult to come up with a reliable password for each of your online accounts, it’s much better to rely on a Windows password manager. A password manager is a security tool that rids you of the actual hassle of coming up with complex combinations. Indeed, the tool will generate all the passwords for you and store them in servers, so you don’t have to write them down to remember.
3. Download Safely
As a gamer, you must already know that you can’t find every tool and program on certified online marketplaces. Sometimes, you may want to get an indie game or a niche piece of software that official sellers don’t carry. Other times, specific mods and updates are released by players themselves. So, how can you protect your Windows PC when you want to download such content?
Of course, one of the best practices you can follow is downloading software from specially curated lists online. That means you don’t have to perform security checks yourself, as a fellow gamer on the internet has already tested their legitimacy and created a guide for others to use. If that’s not an option, use your antivirus and scan the files for malware before downloading them.
To safeguard your personal information during the download process, enable a VPN. This tool will encrypt your data and pass it through a private network, helping you avoid potential DDoS attacks, phishing, and data leaks. That means no one else will be able to understand and use any of the information you share.
VPNs can also be useful when browsing torrents and downloading content. But before you do that, check which is the best VPN for torrenting, as some may perform worse than others.
Lastly, make sure you read every screen in the installation wizard when you get the software you want. Skipping it can result in installing additional software you don’t need, switching your preferred browser, changing your home page, and more. When downloading software, choose the “Custom Installation” option if possible and decline anything you are not interested in.
Also Read: What Is Configure Proxy? A Simple Guide to Setting It Up
Online Protection is Essential for Gamers
Enjoying online gaming, downloading apps and third-party software, and installing mods can all open you to potential DDoS attacks, identity theft, and phishing attempts. Therefore, unless you use effective protection, your data and finances are at risk.
Thankfully, Windows PC users can utilize a plethora of security features the system carries, including User Account Control, SmartScreen, and others. You can also come up with reliable passwords to protect your accounts and follow safety practices while downloading software. This way, even the most advanced hackers will be unable to make you their victim.
