Information Security in Gaming

Gaming isn’t what it used to be. As it becomes increasingly popular, players need to keep one thing in mind: security. Even though most people think about the fun and excitement related to gaming, for those who spend a lot of time gaming using their computers and mobile devices, the security of their information is critical.

From Desktop to Mobile

The online gaming industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. While PC games dominated the industry in the past, now we see an immense growth of mobile gaming. The portability of gaming allows users to engage pretty much everywhere. To make this possible, game developers integrate the latest tech features to reach new audiences and monetize activity. But underneath all of these interactions, there is a sinister threat – the risk of cyber attacks.

The Vulnerability of Online Gaming

There’s no denial that gaming, and games themselves, grow more sophisticated with ongoing and encouraged social elements. The main value of the games lies in their ability to transport users into a virtual world of entertainment. When immersed in the gaming experience, no one wants to think about security. Instead, players prefer to focus on the gameplay.

The social and networking aspect of gaming presents a threat in itself since it allows malicious cyber attacks to quickly take root and spread. Furthermore, in interactive games that include team play and chat, team members that play together for a longer time, share strong bonds. This can make members feel comfortable, so they begin sharing their real identities, locations and personal data. But this behavior can put them at risk of malicious use of their private information.

The software behind all of the best and most popular iGaming platforms is designed and developed by top professionals and additionally verified as safe by third-party enforcers to ensure the platform provides the fairest gaming experience. While Internet security today is the best it has been, there are still people that will try to exploit any flaws they may find.

How to Keep Information Safe?

There are many choices in today’s online gaming environment. Players and online gaming platforms alike need to make security a priority. A secure platform will protect players’ identities and personal information, bankroll and the players’ ability to play fair games. There are many ways to safeguard data and ensure state-of-the-art Internet security that every gaming platform and online casino should add.

Encryption Software

Usually, online platforms and casinos use data encryption technology to ensure data exchanged between them and players cannot be read or accessed by other people. The most common types are 128 or 256-bit encryption, or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).  This type of encryption turns whatever personal and financial data players’  sent to the platform into unbreakable strings of code. The machine or the account of the intended recipient can only decipher the unbreakable code.

Random Number Generators (RNGs)

Reputable online casinos and gaming platforms use Random Number Generators to ensure every part of the game is as random as possible. The goal is to make everything,  from blackjack deals to roulette wheels to random gifts truly as random as mathematically possible. RNGs are part of the software code that generates a random sequence of numbers and/or symbols. It is a common practice for many platforms to have independent companies to regularly test and verify their RNG to ensure wins are distributed in a safe, fair and unbiased manner.

Privacy Policies and Gaming Licenses

Privacy policies are important because they tell players how platforms intend to use their information. Some platforms can collect and sell players’ data. And by signing up you, as a player, agree to this. Sticking to platforms and casinos that state they will not sell or rent data means your personal information will be secure. Additionally, gaming licenses are another important document that should be present on the platform’s website. Most online casinos and platforms post who issued their license, so players can go the authority’s website and check if the license is valid.

Information Security is Team Work

With the constant changes of regulations and advancements in technology, information security is becoming more important than ever. In truth, most cybersecurity measures prevent the vast majority of threats from causing harm, but players still need to be careful and not rely solely on the platforms’ security.

Players should also make sure they keep their devices and software up to date with the latest security measures and features. And more importantly, drop the notion that security impedes gameplay. In the last few years, security vendors have upgraded their software with game-boosting features to ensure players enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience while the security is on.

For additional layers of security, they can also create a special email address for signing up to online games, and screenshot everything suspicious or bad, and report those instances. Use antivirus and anti-spyware programs, and use a firewall. Additionally, never download software and games from unknown websites, and avoid clicking links, images, pop-ups as they may contain viruses.