10 key online gambling safety rules you need to know

Strong passwords are key to success

Winners use long, complex, and unique passwords. The strongest passwords are at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers, and symbols.

Ideally, your password should not be recognized as a word or phrase. You should also have a unique password for each online account.

Research your games

Mobile games make up almost half of the global gaming market! Just because a game is available on a trusted app store does not guarantee that it is a safe app to download.

Before downloading any new gaming app to your device, make sure it is official. Read reviews and search for it in a search engine before downloading.

Enable multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication (MFA), sometimes called two-factor authentication, adds a whole new layer of security to your accounts, and some games and gaming systems now support MFA.

MFA includes biometrics (face scanning or fingerprint access), security keys, or apps that send you unique one-time codes when you want to log in to your account. It is recommended that you use MFA whenever it is offered.

Make updates automatic

It's a good idea to keep your gaming hardware and software as up-to-date as possible. You don't have to check the Settings tab every morning - you can usually set up automatic updates to download and install as soon as they are available on your device, in the software, or from the app creator.

Please note that you may need to restart your device to fully install the updates. It's best to do this right away, but you can often schedule it for a time when you're not playing, such as in the middle of the night.

Don't fall for scam

Cybercriminals often trick gamers into clicking on bad links or downloading malicious files by offering cheats or hacks - this is known as phishing. Be careful about clicking on links or downloading anything that comes from a stranger or that you weren't expecting.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check the link before you click on it by hovering your cursor to see the true purpose of the link.

Credit card

If the gaming system requires a specific payment method to be linked to your account, choose a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have more consumer protection than debit cards, and you have a better chance of getting your money back in case of fraud.

Share with caution

The more information you share, the easier it is for a criminal to use it to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes such as stalking.

Think about how much personal information you provide on your gaming account profiles. Try not to share much information online. If a stranger asks for it, do not say anything.

Playing undercover

Do not use your first or last name in your usernames. Use an avatar instead of your real photo. If a stranger asks you to share a photo or turn on your webcam, say no. They don't need to see you to play together.

No shame in playing with strong player

If another player makes you feel uncomfortable, block them! Tell a trusted adult about it. Remember that you can always kick a player out of the game if they are being aggressive or otherwise making you feel uncomfortable.

Hurtful comments online can affect your mental health - if you are at risk of harming yourself, you should seek immediate help from someone you trust.

Check settings

As soon as you get a new gaming console or try a new game, open its privacy and security settings. Adjust them to your comfort level.

Remember that many standard game manufacturers use the least secure settings, and you should not assume that these settings are set to what you need. For example, your game may share data about your behavior and location with the manufacturer by default.

Read also about useful tips to help protect against online tracking on the Internet.