Whether you’re an all-out “gamer” or simply enjoy a few hands of online poker every now and then, all that online gaming fun comes with its own set of risks.

When we turn to the internet for gaming entertainment often the last think we think about (or want to think about) is the fact that we’re opening ourselves up to potentially be the victim of scams, identity theft or viruses.

If you spend any time gaming, then take a few minutes to read through the risks below and how to avoid them!

The Risks…

• Large, online gaming communities may feel “friendly” but the truth is, you’re surrounded by strangers, which means you could unthinkingly share too much personal info like your full name, email address, age or even online passwords.
• When you download “cheats” you could actually be downloading corrupt software that contains viruses.
• Illegally downloading games could lead to severe penalties or even prosecution.
• Getting rid of old game consoles, computers, mobile devices, etc. that still contain your personal info can put you at risk of identity theft.

Ok, now that you recognize some of the risks of online gaming, let’s go over how to protect yourself so you can keep on gaming without the worry.

How to Stay Safe…

• Make sure you have updated antivirus software.
• Only play authorized, legitimate versions of games that you have obtained/purchased legally and from the proper sources.
• Choose a secure username that does not reveal personal info.
• Create strong and long passwords.
• Never share personal info with other players.
• Keep your game software up-to-date.
• Delete all personal info before disposing of or selling unwanted gaming devices.
• Establish rules and guidelines for your children when they’re playing online (and model good behavior)!

To protect yourself even further, consider setting up a VPN so that you can mask your location and identity and never worry about online gaming hazards again! For more information about getting a Virtual Private Network, click HERE.

Risks & safety measures inspired by this post on GetSafeOnline.org.