In the digital era, mobile gaming has become one of the top sources of entertainment and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From casual puzzle apps to competitive multiplayer games, gaming via smartphone is a daily activity for many.
Online slots and casino games are a top choice for many, with players looking for both entertainment and a chance to win prizes. When playing games, it is important to have fun while also considering and minimizing risks.
Playing games online can expose your smartphone device to a number of potential threats. This includes malware, phishing and data breaches. This means you need to take steps to protect your device and play secure games.
Your mobile phone isn’t just for gaming, it holds all kinds of information such as your personal documents, address and banking details. Keeping the device secure while play games is vital for enjoying the experience while minimizing your exposure to threats.
What To Look For In Safe Online Gaming Platforms
When choosing an online game to play, your safety should be one of your top priorities. Here are some features to look out for when searching for games:
App Source Verification
You should only download gaming apps for official app stores, such as the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play store for android devices. These platforms have robust processes for vetting applications for harmful software.
This helps to reduce the risk of the app infecting your device with malware. If you can only get the game through an unofficial download link you have found online, this is a clear red flag and must be avoided.
Check The Permissions
The game should request certain permissions and these permissions should make sense. For example, an online slot site probably doesn’t need access to your microphone or contact list.
A reputable gaming platform should only ask for the minimum permissions it needs to be able to function, such as using internet access.
Secure Payment Options
Many games will have in-app purchases or the need to make deposits, such as a poker website. You should check the game has secure payment methods.
They should use encryption during the transaction process to protect your data and offer third-party payment providers like PayPal or Apple Pay too. Having a selection of payment methods allows you to pick which one is most convenient and secure for you.
Look For Consistent Positive Feedbacks
Reviews from other players give valuable insight into whether the game provider is trustworthy. You should look out for warning signs such as unexpected extra charges, malicious activity or excessive ads interrupting the experience.
Genuine positive feedback helps you to validate that the game is safe and secure.
Well Known Developer
Well known and established game developers are less likely to be involved in unsafe practices. See what other gaming titles that developer has released and what their history has been. A quick search on an online search engine should be enough to establish this.
Why Are These Features Important?
These features are all important for keeping your device safe and secure and ignoring them opens you up to risks. One of the top risks is malware infection which can result in harmful software stealing your data and slowing down your device without your knowledge.
Data theft puts you at risk of financial loss, and if they get your banking details you could be a victim of fraud and identity theft too.
Poor quality gaming platforms can also give unwanted or unexpected charges, such as hidden subscription charges or unexpected in-app purchases.
Why Is Device Protection Becoming More Important Than Ever Before?
Rising Cyber Threats
Cyber criminals are evolving and are even using artificial intelligence to scale and sped up their attacks. They are constantly finding new ways of exploiting the vulnerabilities our devices have and gaming apps are a big target due to their popularity.
Mobile Payments
Mobile devices are now often used to make quick, convenient payments. A compromised app could give criminals access to your payment credentials and put you at more risk of financial loss.
Devices Used For Work And Home
With hybrid working the norm, many people are using their devices for both work purposes and everyday home life. This means that you could have sensitive work information on your device and a security breach could have big consequences for you and your employer.
Gaming is an excellent entertainment experience, and our mobile devices give us access to thousands of high-quality immersive games. But these experiences should not come at the cost of your security.
Your device contains your whole digital world and so protecting it while still having fun should be a top priority when browsing for games.
