Tag: #VPN

How Can You Protect Your Privacy When Gambling Online?

Gambling online is a common way to play games and earn money. However, protecting your privacy is extremely important when gambling online. You want to make sure you are only using secure platforms and that your money is protected.

Use a VPN When Online

One of the most common ways to protect your privacy is by using a VPN when gaming online. VPNs hide your IP address which makes it harder for hackers to hack into your computer and find your information. 

Keep in mind though that not all online casinos allow VPNs since casinos are regulated to only allow players from certain states or regions.

Keep Your Password Strong

When using online casinos, you have to first make an account with the website. Make sure you are using a strong and unique password. Never use the same password for all your online casino accounts. 

You should also never give your password to anyone. For extra security, make sure you change the password every few months to protect against hackers.

Use E-Wallet Payment Methods

You will need to add payment methods to your casino account to begin gambling and playing the casino games. The safest payment method you can have is by adding methods through an e-wallet. 

E-wallets do not show the card number to the provider, so hackers will not be able to see the card number even if they somehow hack into the casino’s platform.

Try Casinos That Accept Cryptocurrency

There are many casinos that accept cryptocurrency as gambling with cryptocurrency has become very popular over the past few years. These casinos protect your money since you are directly using your bank account or a credit card. 

Red Dog Casino is a great platform to gamble responsibly. They have a wide range of games that you can all play with cryptocurrency. They also have extremely efficient customer support which you can contact if you happen to have a chance with your payment method.

Only Use Casinos With Top Security Levels

Before using any online casino, make sure you verify their security levels. The ways they secure your information are usually listed on their website. You can always contact their support team if you want more information. 

You should also make sure to read reviews. Most online casinos have reviews online where you can see what other customers are saying. If you see any reviews that mention poor security or identity theft, make sure you use another casino. 

Most online casinos are safe as long as the platform is taking the right security measures. When you know your information is secure, you can spend more time enjoying the games and less time worrying.

Don’t Rely on Private Browsing Tabs

Many people are under the impression that using a private browsing tab is enough to keep their information secure but this is not the case. However, private tabs only clear the cookies and history of the computer. 

However, they are not as good as password-protected browsers. You can use a private tab along with other security measures, but do not rely on it alone.

Authorised Casinos Only

If you are using an authorised casino and following the safety tips above, it’s very hard for a hacker to get your information. If you notice that your banking information or your account has been compromised, you need to cancel it right away so the hacker does not have access to more of your money. 

You can also contact the online casino and let them know there has been a breach in security so they can notify others.

Split tunnelling with a VPN: Explained

You may not need to encrypt all of your internet traffic by sending it through a virtual private network (VPN), but if you want to route it through a second tunnel on an open network, split tunnelling is essential. 

What is split tunnelling?

Split tunnelling is one of the many benefits of a VPN. It is the process of establishing a secure connection to route data through an insecure environment, such as an open public network. The data is transmitted via your internet connection through powerful encryption, known as a tunnel. This tunnel safeguards its contents and no one can see or access what is inside. 

Split tunnelling gives you more control over the process by allowing you to choose which app or website traffic is routed through the tunnel and which is routed via your regular internet connection. The ability to select which internet connection to use prevents some of your web traffic from being slowed needlessly. You may also choose which apps and services use your public IP address.

Split tunnelling versus full tunnelling

Full tunnelling involves sending all of your traffic through your VPN, whereas split tunnelling means sending some of your traffic through a VPN and some over the open network. Full tunnelling is more secure than split tunnelling since it encrypts all of your traffic rather than just a part of it. This does mean that full tunnelling can lead to a slower internet connection as all your data goes through the encryption process. 

The pros of split tunnelling

Keep your VPN running

Unfortunately, some programmes and services simply will not function with your VPN enabled. They may need your home IP address for authentication, or they may completely ban communication from known VPN servers.

If you leave your VPN on all the time for maximum security, you may find yourself turning it off when you need to use one of these apps or services. It’s inconvenient, and it puts you at danger of compromising private data if you forget to re-enable your VPN. Safeguarding your privacy  while using the internet is something that should always be prioritised. Split tunnelling means you won’t have to worry about this as you can specify which apps go through the tunnel.

Conserve bandwidth 

Another advantage of split tunnelling is that it conserves bandwidth. Because you can choose which programmes to route through the VPN server, you will have faster internet access and reduce wasted bandwidth.

In addition, if you have a mobile with a fixed data plan, you will reach the limit quicker while using a VPN. By using split tunnelling, you can choose which applications go through the VPN tunnel and avoid using more data that you need to. 

Access network resources 

When connecting to devices on your local area network (LAN), such as a wireless printer, routing your device traffic through a VPN can cause issues. Split tunnelling is often suggested as a solution to this problem.

Access websites and applications that block VPN traffic

Sites such as Ticketmaster and Spotify block VPN traffic. Wikipedia prohibits VPN users from modifying articles, and online banking services may need additional authentication if you use a VPN. You can effectively secure your internet connection by activating VPN split tunnelling, which routes programmes that do not work through the VPN outside the encrypted tunnel.

Access restricted content

One of the top reasons to use a VPN is to sidestep geographic content restrictions on streaming services such as Netflix. However, you may still require access to local search results or information that is restricted to your home location. Split tunnelling allows you to specify which programmes use your home IP address and which use the VPN server’s IP address.

The cons of split tunnelling

Putting corporate systems at risk

Defensive technology is deployed by information security specialists throughout corporate environments to safeguard endpoints and prevent users from doing particular tasks, whether purposefully or unintentionally. Using split tunnelling means not all endpoints are secure. 

Security compromises and digital threats are a real concern for businesses. If the corporate VPN routes internet traffic through a central location, it can also route that traffic through network security systems such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to perform deep packet analysis in order to detect harmful content. As very few employees would have the same level of security infrastructure on their home networks, routing all traffic through the business infrastructure effectively places your home network behind the corporate firewall, where it is likely safer.

Data breaches

As the use of split tunnelling might allow users to bypass gateway security within the company network, this might circumvent data loss prevention systems and could lead to breaches of sensitive files and company information. If only part of the connection is encrypted through the VPN tunnel, hackers or those with malicious intents may gain access to the company network.

If employees are not on the company network but rather working remotely, using public Wi-Fi in a hotel or cafe, they may have heightened anxiety over cyber security. This is a valid worry and other devices on the local network should be considered as hostile by default in these instances. They could be intercepting traffic and attempting to break into your device using local protocols. You should be wary of using split tunnelling on public Wi-Fi and it might be worth the reassurance of higher security to encrypt absolutely everything through the VPN server before sending it out to the internet.

Should I use split tunnelling? 

Looking at both the pros and cons, is split tunnelling something you should consider using? This will depend on whether you are considering split tunnelling for business use or personal use as there are benefits and drawbacks for both. 

If you want to safeguard important data without sacrificing internet speed, utilise VPN split tunnelling. If you’re willing to divide your online activity into what you want to keep private and what you don’t, VPN split tunnelling could work well for you.

Online, Offline: 7 Ways to Safeguard Your Privacy While Using the Internet

Whether you like it or not, the internet is an inescapable part of day-to-day life. Everything from communication to entertainment to information access has a home on the world wide web, offering limitless access to information in seconds. However, the online world is also ripe with risk, leaving many vulnerable to costly cyberattacks. 

Thankfully, you can safeguard your privacy online by implementing proper precautions. Read on for seven cybersecurity tips to keep your information safe while enjoying life online. 

Use private browsing

A straightforward yet effective way to protect your online privacy is by utilizing private browsing settings. With the simple click of a button, you can search the web without leaving a record of your browser activity. However, it’s worth noting private browsers cannot combat sophisticated tracking applications. So, if you’re looking for additional protection, consider installing a VPN to direct cyberattacks away from sensitive info. 

Don’t reveal your home address

Though it may seem safe to enter your home address into online shopping sites or internet forms, even secured sites are prone to data breaches. Thankfully, you can circumvent the system by utilizing mailroom P.O. boxes—a separate address for packages and mail. You can even sign up for cheaper virtual address options, enabling you to forward deliveries to your home without compromising your address. 

Use tracking protection

Though web browsers have built-in tracking protection to block third-party surveillance, many users employ additional security features to ensure online anonymity. For example, Disconnect and Ghostery are free browser extensions that disrupt direct pathways to your server, keeping you safe from hover-happy sites. 

Use two-factor authentication on your accounts

Though it may be frustrating, enabling two-factor authentication on email and social sites can save you from low-level hacks and password breaches. In addition to entering your passcode, authentication applications will generate a unique, one-time code necessary for entrance. By adding a second layer of security to your online accounts, you can reduce the risk of a costly cyber attack.

Don’t over-share on social media

Though it’s typical for social media users to share personal information online—whether through pictures or words—over-sharing on the world wide web comes with a price. For example, uploading a photo with identifiable features can compromise your location, leaving you vulnerable to online and in-person threats. So, next time you upload to Instagram or Facebook, think long and hard about the information you’re sharing with the online world.

Always use strong passwords

The simplest way to protect yourself against data breaches is by creating strong passwords and updating them frequently. Instead of leaning toward the traditional route of birthdays and maiden names, consider throwing in numbers, symbols, and capitalization to throw hackers off your trail.

Use virtual private networks

A virtual private network–or VPN—protects your personal information by encrypting data before leaving your computer and traveling to an off-site server. Whether you’re protecting yourself from public Wi-Fi networks or simply want a security cushion at home, installing a well-reviewed VPN can keep tracking to a minimum. 

What’s next?

The internet is both a precarious and powerful tool. Unfortunately, many online interactions aren’t secure, which is why implementing proper security protocols is a must for internet enthusiasts. By enabling private browsing, upgrading to a VPN, and upgrading all passwords, you can enjoy the online world anxiety-free. 

Why Use a Proxy Server or VPN in 2022?

Both VPN and proxies appear to have become buzzwords in the world of internet security. Few people know the difference or which actual benefits either of the two options offers, though. Here’s why we’re offering you this article, which addresses the following questions:

 

  • What are the operating principles of VPN and proxies?
  • What are the pros and cons of each?
  • Why might you want to use VPN or proxies?
  • Why do people hunt for Australia proxies or UK proxies specifically?

How VPN Works

The acronym VPN stands for a virtual private network. It’s a solution that works on the level of your operating system, creating an encrypted tunnel that’s used to redirect the data you exchange with the internet. Any traffic passing through the tunnel is also encrypted.

It’s essential that VPN is applied automatically to all traffic generated by your operating system. A lot of people value the anonymity that it offers and, especially, the enhanced data safety. If you worry a lot about your data being stolen, this is probably the optimum solution to give you peace of mind.

It’s a misunderstanding that VPN’s primary purpose is to alter or hide your IP address. While it’s true that the identifier does change when you browse the web using VPN, it’s not all it does.

VPN is a relatively expensive and slow solution, but it covers a wide range of use cases and user needs. If you are looking for a more flexible approach, though, give proxies a try.

Proxies as an Alternative

Proxies are solutions that apply on the app level. That is, they are usually used as browser extensions and only work for data exchanged within the specific application. One benefit of this is that they can be faster and more affordable than VPN. On the flipside, however, you don’t get full coverage.

To find out if you need a full package or a set of proxies will do, you need to know what you are looking for. For those who want to go web scraping without getting blacklisted all the time, proxies are a great solution. They also work fine if you need to bypass geographical restrictions. This can be important for the purpose of verifying ads, in which case we strongly recommend opting for residential proxies.

Residential proxies are more legitimate and convincing than datacenter ones and come with almost unlimited locations. This means you can rely on Australia proxies to access Australia-only content.

VPN vs. Proxies: Coverage vs. Flexibility

VPN and proxies are both valid ways of bypassing IP-related restrictions and enhancing your anonymity. The latter is a more complex and costly tool that also offers data encryption and works on all levels. Proxies, by contrast, are flexible and affordable app-level extensions that also mask your IP. Our advice is that you stick to proxies unless you’re working with highly valuable data.

Do you have any experience with either VPN or proxies? Share your impressions in the comments if you do.

#CyberSecMonth 2021 – Four common mistakes people make online that could put their money at risk #ThinkB4UClick

A recent study by Uswitch found that Brits are spending a whopping 384 minutes (6.4 hours) using the internet every day, yet even those who are ‘tech savvy’ are unaware of the extent to which their browsing and social media activity is tracked. Not only is this intrusive, extensive cross-platform tracking also makes it easier for cyber criminals to access personal information.

While most people are aware that there are risks associated with browsing the web, many are unaware of how their data is used, and of the severity of those associated risks.

Tom Gaffney, Security Consultant at F-Secure flags four common mistakes that even tech savvy people are making online, and provides top tips on how they can keep themselves safe.

Mistake 1: Using one browser for everything.

Tip: Most people use only one browser, whether that’s Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc, for all their online activity. However, Tom recommends using at least two – one for work and online banking and one for personal use – as not only will this be beneficial to privacy and security, but it will also give you separation in what you’re browsing and what you’re doing.

“Using separate browsers for casual browsing vs. ‘serious stuff’ like accessing online banking hugely minimises the risk of hackers getting to those sensitive accounts,” says Tom, “I personally never use the same browser to read news articles and browse social media as I would for online banking; casual browsing is generally how vulnerability issues arise — we click links that pique our interest without a second thought and hackers know this. Having a dedicated ‘serious’ browser enables you to shift your mindset into protection mode, you’re less likely to make risky decisions which could compromise your accounts when using your “serious-stuff browser”.”    

Mistake 2: Ignoring important security settings

Tip: Despite spending more time with their apps and web-browser, most of us are unaware of the security and privacy settings. We should all spend just a few minutes to check and configure security settings within our browser to enable safer internet surfing. Regardless of which browser you use (Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome or Firefox), each gives you options to disable cookies and block security risks such as malware that can sneak in through infected pop-ups, plug-ins and extensions, compromising your privacy.

Default browser settings leave your data exposed so at a minimum Tom advises you should:

  • Disable pop-ups and redirections as cyber criminals could use these to spread malicious software.
  • Don’t allow automatic downloads as these could contain malware and viruses. Ask to be prompted before downloading anything.
  • Set your browser to ask permission before accessing your location, camera and microphone.
  • Turn on “Send a do not track request” to help prevent websites from tracking you
  • Think carefully before allowing browsers to save passwords as although it’s convenient it creates a security risk. Laptops and mobiles can fall into the wrong hands, it doesn’t take much for a hacker to find the stored password information.

Mistake 3: Not clearing cookies in your browser  

Tip: Cookie banners pop-up every time we visit a website and most of us will click ‘accept’ without thinking. Cookies are small files that websites send to your device that the sites then use to monitor you and remember certain information about you i.e. what’s in your shopping cart, or your login information. Basically, cookies track you as you browse.

There are several reasons why Tom recommends deleting cookies such as:

  • Over time you could accumulate a lot of cookies which will slow your browser down
  • Cookies store your personal information and enable websites to track and follow you around the web, developing a profile of your online habits. In doing so they build a mosaic which maps your interests, identity, age, location, religious beliefs and even sexual identity. While this is used for providing you with targeted ads, this data is sold between organizations and has a more insidious target of knowing everything about you.

“Most browsers make it straightforward to view and delete cookies,” says Tom, “simply go to browser settings and look for the privacy or security section. It’s also worth noting that all browsers have a setting which allows you to browse the web anonymously, which you should have on by default. This will ensure that less of your personal information is shared with data brokers.”

Mistake 4: Not using a VPN

Tip: Even the most secure browser with the most advanced settings can’t always keep your browsing activities safe or private which is why you should consider a VPN such as F-Secure FREEDOME.

“VPNs offer you complete privacy for your activities online,” says Tom, “no one will be able to track you or see what you are doing, not even your Internet Service Provider. They can block harmful websites and hacking attempts, encrypt data to protect your real IP address and online traffic and protect you even when you’re using public Wi-Fi.”

 

Last word: Overall, it’s important that you exercise common sense when using the internet. Many organizations have made the web a simpler place to surf and shop with one-click purchasing. Sometimes we actually need to slow down, especially when shopping, banking or paying bills to allow our minds to engage critically.  At the very least, make sure you update your browser regularly as using old software can provide a way for hackers to break into networks. Updates will address any security issues and help your browser run better.

Online Safety Tips: How To Protect Your Personal Data And Sensitive Info

Technology has changed the world and the way we live by leaps and bounds. But it also comes with its own set of issues, one of which is how to protect your personal data and sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands. It’s no secret that cybercriminals are everywhere these days, so you have to take steps to protect yourself against them. Here are some tips for protecting yourself online, so you can enjoy all the benefits that technology has to offer without worrying about being victimized.

1. Encrypt Your Data So That It’s Unreadable Without A Password

To Protect Your online Personal Data And Sensitive Info, encrypt your data so that it’s unreadable without a password. You can do this by using tools like Bcrypt or Scrypt to hash passwords and sensitive information before storing them in databases or saving them on the server-side of web applications.

To Protect Your online Personal Data And Sensitive Info, anonymize and protect your Internet traffic by using a VPN provider. This review on the best VPN with RAM servers will help you choose a service provider who’ll not only ensure that you are secure while surfing online, but will also provide you with storage services. You can go a step further and sign up for two-factor authentication to provide an additional layer of security on top of passwords.

2. Start Your Computer In Safe Mode To Protect Against Viruses And Malware

When your computer starts in safe mode, only the basic files are loaded. This safety feature turns off all programs that run at startup, except for antivirus software and drivers needed to boot your machine safely into Windows. Restarting your system this way can help identify any problems or threats that may be present in your system.

To boot in safe mode, shutdown and restart your computer, then press the F11 key repeatedly until you see a menu that lets you select Safe Mode. When the machine is booted into safe mode, run an antivirus scan to make sure everything is clean before continuing with the normal use of Windows or installing programs.

3. Use Strong Passwords For All Of Your Accounts, Especially On Social Sites

If you have a hard time remembering passwords, use a password manager. Password managers will use a safe location to store your social media usernames and passwords, especially if you are unable to use two-factor verification on them. If that is the case, make sure to use a strong password for that account as well.

If a hacker guesses or finds out one of your passwords to an online account, it is possible that they could use those credentials on other accounts. This is why it’s important to make sure you use different passwords for every account and two-factor authentication on your social media accounts and online banking sites. If this isn’t an option, be careful with what browser extensions you are using. 

4. Make Sure The Privacy Settings Are Set To Private

This ensures your account is hidden from the public eye. The first step in protecting yourself online starts with the two most popular search engines; Google and Bing. It’s important to be familiar with each one because they track different types of information. It’s important to be aware of the information tracked by various apps so that you can adjust the privacy settings to your comfort level.

5. Monitor What Personal Information Is Being Shared On Your Social Media Apps

Make sure to delete any personal information on your social media apps or accounts regularly. When posting pictures online, make sure not to have anything identifiable in the background. Keep your personal information safe by not sharing it with strangers. Change your passwords every so often! If someone asks for personal information from you, don’t give it to them (i.e., your full name, phone number, email address, etc.)  If you’re being harassed online, take screenshots of the messages and contact a parent/guardian/government authority immediately.

6. Be Cautious About Using Wi-Fi Networks

Be cautious about using Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops or libraries, as these may be less secure than home Wi-Fi networks. If you are on a public network that uses an unencrypted connection (a password is not required to access it), then any computer between your device and the router can potentially view your online activity.

Your online identity is not your true identity. It’s a representation of you, and it can be vulnerable to attacks if you’re not careful about how much information you share or who has access to that info. Be smart when browsing social media sites, downloading apps, connecting over Wi-Fi networks, and logging into websites with sensitive content like banking or email accounts.

New F-Secure FREEDOME VPN feature protects privacy and security on public WiFi #VPN #FreedomDay #FSecure

Leading cyber security software provider, F-Secure, has announced a new feature for its virtual private network (VPN) software, FREEDOME, to tie in with ‘Freedom Day’ in the UK on 19th July — the significant or complete lifting of Coronavirus restrictions.

With the UK set to enjoy unrestricted life again, many won’t have safe internet access on their minds. But with many establishments now relying on phones for services such as ordering and payment, it’s crucial, now more than ever, that people ensure they’re safely using their devices to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime.

FREEDOME’s new feature, which is available for iPhone and Android devices, automatically detects when a user’s device connects to a public WiFi network and launches the VPN to ensure an anonymous and safe browsing experience.

Public WiFi networks are now widely available and although undoubtedly convenient, can present serious security and privacy risks. A password-protected public network may appear secure however devices are actually at their most vulnerable when connected to one. Because data sent through public WiFi can be easily intercepted, Cyber criminals often target these hot spots to steal confidential information from unsuspecting users, such as passwords or credit card details, leaving them susceptible to identity theft and fraud.

VPNs such as FREEDOME use encryption to scramble user data and make it unreadable when it’s sent over a public network. Without a VPN, a user’s entire browsing history is not encrypted, including websites visited and passwords entered, leaving them vulnerable to having their personal information compromised.

“As restrictions are lifted in the UK, more people will be connecting to public networks. Whether they’re working from a coffee shop, killing time in an airport or ordering food via an app or website,” says Tom Gaffney, Principal Consultant at F-Secure, “the last thing people want to worry about when they get their freedom back is cyber security, which is why we created this new feature. Our users can enjoy their newfound freedom with peace of mind that their data is protected.”

FREEDOME VPN gives people a hassle-free way to encrypt their communications over public Wi-Fi, change their virtual location to access location-based  online services, and block malicious websites and online tracking attempts. Users can whitelist trusted networks, such as their home WiFi, to prevent FREEDOME from launching unnecessarily.

F-Secure is located in Finland, outside of the ‘14 Eyes’ intelligence community, which means F-Secure isn’t legally obligated to share user data with those countries’ authorities — offering better privacy than other VPN providers located in the US or UK, for example.

A number of FREEDOME packages are available; prices start from just £2.08/month to protect three devices for a year. Check F-Secure.com for further information.

Protect Your Digital Privacy with These 4 Effective Tips

While many of us know that the internet can be a sketchy place, few people are aware of just how important it is to protect their own data and ensure digital privacy for themselves. Yes, it seems clear that bigger companies with financial or healthcare-related data need to be more careful, but ordinary folk? What do we have that hackers would be interested in accessing?

It turns out each of us has a ton of information that could benefit a cyber-criminal. The following will help point out some elements of digital privacy that you can apply to your everyday digital life to help ensure that you and those closest to you are safe from digital threats.

Use Alternative Search Engines

Yes, Google might be the most popular search engine available, but it’s far from being the most secure. Everything you do on Google is monitored and analysed. Sometimes this data is then sold to the highest bidder influencing everything from marketing to elections. Yes, your data can be used to help sway elections. Scary, right?

 

Avoid handing everything over to Google by switching over to an alternative search engine. Many are available, but one of the most secure is DuckDuckGo. You want a search engine that never stores your personal information, never stores your search history (meaning they have nothing to sell to advertising firms), and never tracks your searches whether you’re in private mode or not. 

You might be shocked to realise how biased the information you’ve been getting is when you see the difference in search results. If a search engine doesn’t store your information and use it to feed its algorithms, you end up with data and search results that are outside of your bubble. Be forewarned; for many people making the switch, this can be a scary realisation. Unknowingly, you might have been ingesting false or biased information for years, and suddenly those folks you adamantly disagreed with might not seem so crazy.

 

Blur Out Your Home On Google Street View

Google Maps has taken over navigation and resulted in fewer people than ever getting lost, but this isn’t to say that there aren’t considerations that need to be made. Burglars and other criminals often use Google Maps to figure out entrances or gain vehicle information (including license plate numbers if your car was in the driveway when the image was taken). To blur out your home, face, or vehicle, go to your address on Google Maps street view, click more options (three dots), click “report a problem,” click “report inappropriate street view,” adjust the window to make sure everything you want to be hidden is included and answer the questions presented about what you want to blur.

If this sort of guide feels shocking to you, you’re not alone. There are countless simple, step-by-step outlines to help make online security easier. Spend a bit of time finding a security information website that explains things to you in a way that you can understand. Tutorials and guides have been written for folks with all different backgrounds meaning that you will be able to find the information you need in a digestible way.

Update Your Software

You know those annoying messages you get on your phone and computer asking you to download updates that you keep putting off? It’s a good idea to go through with these updates because often, they include data security elements as hackers get more sophisticated, and so do anti-hacker elements of the software. Security bugs can leak valuable information, and software companies are constantly improving their security features.

 

Use A VPN

 

A VPN is a virtual private network. It adds an extra layer of security by disguising your data through encryption and hiding your IP address while you’re online. Not only does this help keep you safe while browsing the internet on public and open wifi networks, but it also keeps your information safe from your internet service provider. Yes, the internet company that is allowing you internet access in your home. A fun bonus of having a VPN is that you can access online materials that are limited to a single location, like Netflix in another country or free live streams happening all around the world.

The above tips can help you keep yourself and your data safe. It’s important that you don’t bite off more than you can chew right from the get-go. It’s far better to make a small tweak that you can maintain for years to come than to spend two weeks keeping yourself completely safe and burning out. Over time, you can add more and more tweaks to keep improving your privacy.

 

How To Stay Safe And Secured While Still Trying New Fun Ways Of Playing Online

Online gaming has become a sensation. With billions of people playing at last count, the gaming industry grows every day. There are hundreds of new games and ways to play.  It’s all literally fun and games, but safety concerns abound. If proper measures aren’t observed your security, personal information and privacy will be constantly threatened. 

 

Check out these simple steps you can take to stay safe and secure while playing online. 

Buy A Smurf Account 

In the online gaming world, every player has a reputation, particularly skilled gamers. This is why smurf accounts have been popular since as early as the 90s. 

 

A smurf account is a new different account that allows a player to play only under a name and account separate from their regular one. It’s like starting afresh, with no pressure or reputation to live up to. As a result, as explained at GooseSmurfs.com, players can go wild, play differently than their regular playstyle, practice their technique without messing up their original high score, playing with lower-skilled players as an ego boost, and elevating new accounts to expert level for sale to interested amateur players. 

Because of the vagueness and anonymity of smurf accounts, there’s a significantly less chance of being targeted for security breaches such as hacking. 

Beware Of Cheat Codes And Cheat Programs

 

One of the most fun parts of playing online is finding new games and progressing steadily to the top or the next level. Hitting a snag and struggling to make it to the next level when you’re playing is one of the worst feelings. This is why cheat codes are a thing. 

 

A cheat code or program is one that is designed to give gamers shortcuts so that they progress a lot faster than average. For example:

 

  • In shooting games cheat codes are sold that improve a player’s shooting by doing things like marking their opponents’ heads bigger and thus easier targets. 
  • There are cheats called ”wall hacks” which operate by allowing players to see the positions of opponents through opaque objects. Or to identify the location of the treasure.
  • ”Lag switching” let players stutter around a game’s map so that they’re difficult targets
  • There are cheats that allow players to hide their avatars for the duration of the game until the very end, winning by default 
  • Other cheat codes and programs give gamers the ability to heal their avatars over and over again

 

A cheat code may seem like a sweet deal, but the majority of codes and programs purporting to aid in cheating will do nothing but give your computer viruses. 

If you must cheat, rely on popular cheat codes, like the Konami Code. Created by Kazuhisa Hashimoto who was developing the video game Gradius back in 1985, it is the most famous cheat code. 

Beware Of Cyberbullies

Playing online exposes you to all manner of people. Online gaming platforms give you the ability to interact with other players. This is good and bad at the same time. 

These interactions mean the chance to exchange tips and tricks with other players, create bonds, beautiful friendships, and be thoroughly entertained. On the flip side, being exposed to all types of people also means being a potential target for online bullies and trolls. 

Gaming trolls do things like shouting at players in the middle of playing, constantly insulting everyone for making mistakes, and booing all the winners. 

Almost every online playing site offers channels for reporting toxic behaviours and rude language so make sure to report users who behave badly online. Block and report. 

Virtual Private Network

Discovering new ways to play online is fun, but all that surfing all over obscure parts of the internet exposes all your devices to not just viruses but spyware. 

This is particularly true whenever you use public Wifi. When you use public Wifi anyone with the password and basic tech knowledge can monitor your online activity. This is where Virtual Private Networks come in handy. 

A VPN is a piece of software that creates a secure connection over the internet by encrypting your information and shielding your online activity from cybercriminals and even your Internet Service Provider, or ISP. 

Use A Firewall

For added double protection, use a firewall even if your network is secure and encrypted with a firewall. 

A firewall is an electronic barrier that blocks unauthorized access to your computers and devices and is often included with comprehensive security software. Getting a firewall means that all of the devices connected to your network are secured. Did you know that most Internet of Things (IoT) devices are vulnerable entry points for hackers? 

Playing online doesn’t have to spell danger to your safety and security if you take steps to protect yourself. Using firewalls, buying smurf accounts, and reporting bullies are all examples of how to protect yourself.