Digital Security Basics for Gaming PCs
Have you ever wondered what lurks in the shadows of the gaming world? Yes, it’s exciting to slay monsters in virtual worlds, but the digital realm can be just as dangerous as any in-game battlefield. Cyber threats are evolving at breakneck speeds: without proper protection, your gaming PC—and the data stored in it—could be under threat. This extends across all levels of gaming in the digital era. From simple weekend gamers to those who stream on Twitch for a living, basic knowledge about how security works can go a long way.
In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through 6 digital security basics for gaming PCs. Read on to equip yourself with everything you need to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
1. Use a Gaming VPN
First on our list of digital security basics for gaming PCs is a gaming VPN. A VPN is a crucial tool for enhancing your gaming security. When you connect to the web, your data travels through a series of networks that can be vulnerable to interception. A VPN encrypts your connection and device data, making it difficult for snoopers to access. Using a VPN is an essential step for reducing the risk of hacking attempts and data breaches.
VPNs also mask your IP address. This helps to prevent DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks that disrupt your gaming experience by overwhelming your network with traffic.
VPNs have one other major benefit that isn’t security-related, however. Using a VPN can also help gamers surpass geo-restrictions, allowing them to access media content they otherwise may not have been able to access. This can be great if you ever want to take part in international gaming events or get your hands on a game before its official release in your country. Imagine all the extra hours you could be playing by hopping on a VPN. It’s pretty exciting!
When choosing a VPN for gaming, opt for one that offers fast connections and low latency. For gamers, some VPNs come with specific servers that are optimised for performance. Not only will this ensure your privacy, but it will also enhance the overall experience.
2. Keep Your System and Games Updated
One of the simplest methods to ensure that your gaming PC stays in good working order and remains secure is keeping both your system and games updated. Patches and updates from developers fix security weaknesses and improve security features. Ignoring these updates can leave your computer exposed to (avoidable) threats that hackers can exploit.
Operating system updates are crucial because they include critical security patches that are most effective when kept up-to-date. If you run Windows or MacOS, make sure your system is set to automatic update so you receive essential patches as soon as possible. At the same time, upgrade your antivirus software so that it can detect and fight off new threats on the go.
Game developers also release updates to fix bugs and security issues. By keeping games updated, you’ll be able to enjoy both the latest features and greater protection from potential security breaches. Either enable auto-updates wherever available or check for updates periodically to keep yourself secure.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Setting strong, unique passwords is all about ensuring your gaming PC and online gaming accounts are protected from unauthorised access. These days, setting a strong password isn’t as easy as it once was. Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, and the old tricks don’t cut it anymore.
So, here’s how to become a maestro of strong passwords: a good password should contain a minimum of 12 characters and consist of a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols. For example, “G@m3r$Un!t3d2024” or even a random string of characters is much stronger and more secure than “password123.” Stay away from personal information, like your birthday, home address, or name. The goal is to make it as difficult as possible for anyone to guess or crack your password.
Another avoidable mistake that gamers commit is using the same password for all their accounts. Should one account become compromised, every other shared password is immediately at risk. You can avoid this by using a unique password for each of your gaming accounts. While this might be a little daunting, you can use a password manager to make things easier.
Lastly, use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is an extra layer of security that makes you verify your password with an additional code that’s sent to your phone or an authentication app. So even if someone has stolen/found/managed to get hold of those passwords of yours, they still need this second factor to log in.
4. Beware of Phishing Scams
A phishing scam is a fraudulent attempt to trick you into revealing your sensitive data. This can be anything like usernames, passwords and even credit card information. A lot of the time, these scams can come in the form of emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your information. Unfortunately, gamers are frequent targets because of their online spending and extensive digital data.
To protect yourself, be cautious of any email, message, or website you come across, especially if they ask for personal/sensitive information. Check for signs of scammy content (i.e. lousy grammar, urgent language, and dodgy links). You should also hover over links rather than click on them to check if they’re legitimate. If you get messaged by what looks to be a game developer or the platform that hosts a game, go straight to their website and do not click on any provided links.
It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with common phishing tactics because identifying red flags early on will save you from hassle and headaches. For instance, be wary of messages offering free in-game items or currency. As tempting as it may be, these are often used to lure gamers into providing their account details. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So, protect your data and stay sceptical of unsolicited messages to enjoy a safer gaming experience.
5. Secure Your Home Network
A good way to keep your PC safe is to secure the network it operates on. An unsecured network is easy prey for hackers, who use security gaps to break into all devices on a network. Yes, this includes your smartphone, smart TVs, tablets, and any other connected device you may have. By exploiting the flaws in your network, hackers can steal sensitive personal information from you, install malware or even use your devices for illegal activities.
To protect your home network, start by changing the default username and password for your router. These default settings are very easy to find online, so failing to change them opens you up to a much higher chance of being hacked. Create a strong, unique password for your router, and avoid using information that’s easy to guess, such as birthdays, pet names, or common words.
Next, make sure your Wi-Fi is protected with encryption. WPA3 is the latest and most secure encryption standard, so use it if your router supports it. If not, WPA2 is a good alternative. This ensures that non-authorised users aren’t able to connect to your home network or intercept your data.
Finally, remember to keep your router’s firmware updated—you’ll be surprised at how many people (gamers included) fail to do this. Router manufacturers release updates to address security flaws, fix bugs and increase performance, so the last thing you want to do is skip an update!
6. Be Cautious With Downloads and Mods
Finally, downloads and mods can enhance your playing experience but also be big security risks. Malware can hide in files we don’t suspect, so downloading from untrusted sources can leave your devices vulnerable to cyber threats.
How can you exercise caution with downloads and mods? It’s simple. The rule of thumb here is to download only games, updates and mods from official or other trusted sources. Avoid downloading cracked games (aka pirated copies of the game) too, as these can include malware. Before clicking on that download button, make sure to read reviews and check the reputation of the source. If something seems off, it’s better to stay on the side of caution.
Another important element to add to your gaming/downloading repertoire is antivirus software. Antivirus software scans files before you download them. This measure helps detect and remove any potential threats before they access your devices. Refer to your antivirus software to check for any signs your computer has been hacked.
With cyber threats evolving fast, digital security is more important than ever. By following these practical digital security basics, you can protect your gaming PC from a wide range of threats. Better security = less stress and ultimately an improved gaming experience with fewer distractions.
So, stay vigilant, stay updated, and happy gaming!