Stay Safe from the Threats Posed by Online Gaming

Gaming is quickly becoming a popular pastime for both young and old people. Its popularity skyrocketed during last year's pandemic when people were forced to stay indoors. Indian users surpassed the total number of mobile game downloads worldwide in 2020, with 7.3 billion installs.

This is not surprising given that it is a pleasurable way to spend time alone. Most games also include competitive elements, frequently pitting the player against known or unknown opponents, and can thus be very engaging. Other games simulate team sports, promoting collaboration and teamwork. Gaming can also help you develop skills like quick thinking and faster reflexes.

There is, however, a darker side to gaming that consumers should be aware of. After all, the first step toward mitigation is education. The following are some of the dangers of gaming:

Risk of addiction

The World Health Organization defines gaming disorder, under addictive behavior, as a "pattern of gaming behavior ("digital-gaming" or "video-gaming") characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escapability from gaming."

Games can be addictive since they are designed to keep players coming back for more. To reduce this risk, it is best to set aside a limited amount of time for gaming while still making time for regular activities, exercise, and social interactions.

Risk of undesirable interactions

Multiplayer games frequently feature anonymous players interacting on the same platform. They can use built-in chat features or connect on websites such as Discord. These interactions can sometimes turn sour and take the form of cyberbullying and harassment. Many parents are concerned about their children interacting with sexual predators and other criminals who may take advantage of the opportunity to lure unsuspecting minors.

To avoid such dangers, it is critical to limit contact with strangers and to stop any abusive language immediately. Parents must counsel their children on safe online behavior in addition to monitoring their children's online behavior.

Risk of webcam access

Webcams have always been a vulnerable element due to their ease of hacking. With cameras built into our phones and laptops, the danger has multiplied. When hacked, a webcam gives the hacker access to our device. To avoid this, first, check the device's default settings to ensure that the camera is set to "off" unless otherwise directed. A physical cover or masking tape can also be used to conceal the camera.

Malware risks

Malware, such as Trojans and adware, has advanced to the point where it can infiltrate your device even through legitimate purchases. This is since many of this malware often imitate or modify a legitimate app and are available on legitimate marketplaces. In other words, they are extremely difficult to detect, and users are frequently unaware that they have malware on their devices until an attack is launched. Installing a good cybersecurity app to scan a game before downloading it can be beneficial. It's also a good idea to keep up with the latest reviews and news about the game, its developers, and the marketplace.

Risk of hidden charges

Today, many online games use the freemium model, in which users can download the app and play for free. These models, however, have in-game purchases for props, additional functions, or progressing to the next level. Many freemium models also provide subscriptions; payment is typically made by credit card, and users must typically submit their card information at the time of download or purchase.

The issue arises when users are charged inadvertently or make an impulse purchase. To avoid this, payment apps must be password protected. To avoid careless purchases, turn off the settings for in-app updates. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to check credit card statements regularly to keep track of any unauthorized charges.

Risk of identity theft

Identity theft emerged as a major cybersecurity threat in the country last year, affecting 2.7 crore Indians – a 40 percent increase over the previous year. Perpetrators access a user's account, resell it, or use it to make purchases using personal information such as date of birth, address, and phone number. Cybercriminals may use online games as a means of attack. To avoid falling into this trap, never share sensitive information when signing up for a game or when chatting with strangers on it.

Risk of insecure games

A hacked game server containing insecure code or malware has the potential to infect the entire network. It has the potential to disseminate the flaw and expose gamers to spyware and malware. This is a crucial reason why one should always download games from a reputable source or marketplace. Keep the game site separate from the web browser, and keep games asking for specific exceptions to the in-built firewalls, and permission should be granted only after careful consideration. Furthermore, it is always best to avoid playing in 'administrator mode,' as this can expose the device to external control. Instead, create a user account.

The emergence of virtual sweatshops

The rise of the virtual economy in gaming has also given rise to virtual sweatshops, where scammers frequently hire people from poorer countries to trick in-game protective AI. These safeguards are intended to protect the game from fraudulent bots, but they can be circumvented by humans. Scammers use sweatshops because they are harder to detect and provide the best cost advantage; however, these are frequently exploitative in addition to illegal. The solution here necessitates a large-scale crackdown on such arrangements. Individually, one can only keep an eye out for attacks.

Risk of virtual mugging

The term "virtual mugging" refers to the act of stealing or attacking someone in the virtual world. Such occurrences are not unusual or novel. South Korea, where gaming is a massive industry, reported 22000 such cases as early as 2003, and virtual crimes targeting gamers, particularly children, have also been widely reported in India. There have also been numerous reports of children being duped into making costly purchases as a result of cyber scams.

There are numerous dangers associated with gaming. However, because it is a great source of entertainment and also helps in the development of certain skills, avoidance of games should not be the solution, and the precautions discussed in this article can help in protecting against the risks. Furthermore, some general cybersecurity measures should be taken, such as updating browser security, using a firewall, password-protecting any sensitive information, installing a good antivirus program, maintaining backups of any personal or financial data, and, most importantly, remaining vigilant at all times.

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