Almost every form of entertainment or “playing online” now requires sharing some kind of personal data, no matter how small. It could be your name, age, preferences, or just something relating to you. While it may not necessarily be a big deal to many, you’ll never go wrong with exercising caution. After all, it is better safe than sorry.
We’re even more inclined to cover this subject because of the increase in digital risks these days. More than ever, we are all subject to data tracking, phishing and other security compromises. As such, we’re committing this content to enlightening you on protecting your privacy for a safer and more enjoyable online experience.
Common Online Privacy Risks Players Should Be Aware Of
A person who doesn’t know that they are at risk of something will surely not see the need to keep safe. So, the first thing we intend to do is enlighten you on the common online privacy concerns that you should be aware of. You’ll find that you’re vulnerable to them too:
- Data collection by websites and third-party trackers: Unfortunately, certain web-hosted sites maliciously collect user data, more than is expected of them. Some of them disguise it under “accepting cookies,” so it goes unseen.
- Public Wi-Fi risks: Connecting to Wi-Fi connections at internet cafes, airports and hotels is something you must do with caution. Unfortunately, several malicious individuals use it to gain unsolicited access to devices.
- Fake websites and phishing attempts to steal login details: Some hackers are in the business of designing websites identical to what people normally use. An unsuspecting individual will go ahead and type in their password, while they collect the details in the backend.
- Weak account security: A significant amount of people are guilty of reusing the same password across multiple websites and accounts. So, once one is compromised, everything is compromised. And unfortunately, not many people use two-factor authentication.
While the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has a general cyber safety guidance, not many citizens are aware of it. Even the few that know about it don’t take it seriously enough.
Choosing Secure Platforms For Online Entertainment
By now, you’ll agree with us that no one is above cyber risks, and your next question is probably pertaining to how you can protect yourself.
Before we get to that, you need to understand that it starts from your choice of platform. No matter how many security measures you take, being on a malicious platform will surely expose you to very avoidable risks.
For starters, whatever you do, always make sure the website is encrypted; you can always confirm HTTPS with a padlock icon next to the wallet address. Any website that is not encrypted is a big red flag, and you should avoid them by all means.
If a website is reputable, it’ll do everything to prioritize user data protection. You’ll find their SSL certificates as well as clear privacy policies because they have nothing to hide. We can see implementation in industries where daily transactions are the norm, as is the case with online casinos, where trusted platforms like Dolly Casino that implement advanced encryption and protection tools. This allows players to enjoy their entertainment with greater peace of mind.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Privacy While Playing Online
Even if you engage yourself with secured websites, there is also a place of taking matters into your hands. Here are some practical steps that will surely come in handy:
- Passwords should be strong and unique: As much as possible, make sure your passwords are strong and unique. Don’t use dates or information that anyone can guess easily; if possible, use password managers to get something unique and secure them.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): We understand that having to open your mail to “confirm a code” each time you want to log into a website is stressful. However, it is necessary for your safety. If any platform you use has 2FA, you should enable it.
- Keep devices updated: Make it a habit to always keep your devices updated; this includes your general operating system, browsers and antivirus, if you use one. Most of these updates come with security patches, so not doing them is just you shortchanging yourself.
- Log out on shared devices: If it isn’t your sole device, there is no reason to keep your account logged in. And by all means, don’t save passwords on any device that isn’t private. It is better to go through the hassle of logging in than to compromise on security.
Stay Informed and Make Privacy a Habit
We should add that keeping yourself safe online is not a one-time thing. Rather, it should be a progressive habit that you’re conscious of when trying to entertain yourself online. While it may be difficult at first, with time, it’ll grow on you. We’ve done the role of informing you about it, so it is up to you to make it count.