Why Online Security Has Become A Major Topic For Gamers

Gamers are portrayed on TV and in movies as a very homogenous group. They are tech geeks, who spend their time coding or hacking when they’re not gaming. They care only about technology, and spend all their time indoors.

In reality, there are many different kinds of gamers. That shouldn’t be surprising, seeing as millions of people around the world love gaming. Some are indeed obsessed with all kinds of technology and work in the industry. But many more simply play games for fun, and otherwise know little about the tech world.

If all gamers resembled those portrayed on screen, they would be the ones causing security issues for others, rather than being at risk of attacks. However, many gamers are ignorant to cyberthreats, and leave themselves vulnerable.

Here is why gamers are so vulnerable when it comes to cybersecurity.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is rife in 2020, even for the average person who spends only so much time online. Because we live a lot of our lives in the virtual realm, our data reflects a great deal about who we are. If we are hacked, the attackers can get access to social security numbers, credit cards, addresses, and more.

For gamers, the risk is even greater. Gamers are not only online a lot of the time, but can inadvertently share information with strangers who they are playing against. If their gaming gear gets hacked, hackers can listen in to their conversations even when they are not playing.

For this reason, it is crucial that gamers use a VPN at all times. Click here to find out more about how a VPN benefits gamers. Without one, you are at serious risk of cyberattacks.

Swatting

Swatting is a dangerous prank that has become popular among some gamers. It is carried out by one or more gamers reporting an emergency at another gamer’s house, getting a SWAT team to barge in on them as their experience is transmitted to the others via audio while they are playing.

While swatting may not sound like such a big deal, keep in mind that these teams arrive ready to face armed opposition. Multiple people have been injured or killed by swat teams called by other gamers.

It is crucial that gamers protect their identities and locations. There are malicious people out there who disregard the dangers or even enjoy hearing others get hurt.

Doxxing

Once you’ve heard about swatting, doxxing might not seem like such a big deal. Doxxing is the practice of releasing a person’s address and contact details online, for the purpose of harassment.

However, doxxing can have huge consequences, both emotionally and practically. A person who has been doxxed, and is receiving threats online, inevitably feels unsafe in their own home. Even if no one actually intends on carrying out threats, the fact that they know where you live can be terrifying.

Gamers who have been doxxed feel helpless. They cannot simply move to a different address. They may stop gaming altogether, in the fear that they might anger the wrong person. Gamers need to be particularly aware of security risks in 2020. Not all gamers are expert hackers, and vulnerabilities can have massive consequences.

This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’ disclosure policy.