Online safety is a major concern. With many of us using social media and gaming applications, it’s hardly surprising that a quarter of Brits think they will fall victim to cybercrime. But the security concerns don’t stop there, with cybercriminals posing a real threat behind the façade of a familiar company. (Disclaimer: This article contains spons0red content, meaning we may receive compensation from the products or services mentioned.)
Below, we’ve explored some ways to be more proactive about your digital security, especially when using mobile gaming applications.
Our Top Tips for Choosing Safe Gaming Applications
- Check the privacy policy
Every game will come with its own privacy.
This is also known as the small print, and it might not be immediately obvious if you’ve only just downloaded an app. For the best security, you should try to read the policy before you put any of your personal information onto an account. Remember, it’s usually not too late if you’ve only just downloaded an app.
For example, before you download a bingo app, check the privacy policy thoroughly. This will make sure that you’re familiar with the way this gaming platform will process, handle, and share your personal data. If you’ve been asked for a lot of information and you feel uncomfortable, it’s probably best to stop using it.
- Avoid unintended purchases
Many games offer in-app purchases, which can entail anything from character upgrades to extra points in the game. However, these can lead to unexpected expenses, particularly if an app isn’t transparent about its spending features.
If you’ve set up an account on a game with additional purchases, it’s worth setting spending limits first. Avoid applications that market themselves as free: you don’t want to get caught out by hidden fees or accidental subscriptions. If you’ve agreed to a direct debit without realising, contact your bank in the first instance.
- Check the licensing
Depending on the genre or niche of your game, it’s likely that it would need to be regulated by an official body before players can use it. This is particularly true for any iGaming application, which can allow users to legally gamble from their mobile phone under UK law.
Any application like this must be registered by the Gambling Commission, with a public certificate available to view online. If you’re unsure about the credibility of the organisation behind an application you’ve downloaded, make sure to check straight away. Trust your instincts and don’t give any personal data if you’re unsure of something’s origins.
- Look for a safe community
When games are safe, legal and authorised, they usually have a noticeable following amongst fellow players. Before you download the app, this can be easily identified via genuine customer reviews on the App Store.
Take some time to read the reviews and make sure you know how to spot a fake review so that you’re not deceived. It’s better if you can follow personal recommendation for a game wherever possible. Typically, the most popular games have communities that you will feel a part of straight away.
- Protect your identity
Finally, it might be impossible to avoid sharing details, there are several ways to keep yourself anonymous. Many players use a pseudonym on their public gaming profiles to make sure that fellow players never see their real name.
If you’re worried about Internet security, you could always use a virtual private network (VPN) to make sure no one can track your IP address or home location. Even if your private information is encrypted by an application, it’s still possible that hackers or cyber criminals could attempt to steal your identity, so it’s always worth playing with caution.