Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a surge in the popularity of online gaming. Many people see it as a way to stay connected with friends and relieve boredom during the lockdown. However, there are some risks associated with online gaming that parents should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the risks of online gaming and how to mitigate them.
How big is the online gaming industry?
The online gaming industry is huge. In 2020, it was estimated to be worth $159 billion dollars and it is projected to grow to $174 billion by 2023. This industry includes all forms of gaming that are played online, including but not limited to console and PC games, social casino games, and mobile games.
In Canada, as per 2022 global online gambling statistics, it is said that the Canadian gambling industry generated about $2.64 billion and $1.2 billion is mainly from online gaming and online casino.
This industry has seen incredible growth in recent years due to the rise of mobile gaming and the popularity of live-streaming platforms like Twitch. With more and more people playing and watching online games, the industry is only expected to continue to grow in the years to come.
Credit Card Fraud in Online Gaming
Recent years have seen a rise in credit card fraud in the online gaming industry. This is largely due to the fact that gaming platforms have become increasingly popular targets for hackers as people started to search for real money in online gaming and online casinos, hackers have been very vigilant to take these opportunities and obtaining access to gamers’ credit card information and use it to make unauthorized purchases.
If you’re an online gamer, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from credit card fraud. First, make sure that you only use trusted gaming platforms. Second, never share your credit card information with anyone. And third, always monitor your credit card statement for any unauthorized charges. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of credit card fraud.
Related blogs: Mobile Device Security: A Holistic Approach to an Evolving Threat
Cyberbullying in online gaming
Online gaming is a growing phenomenon, with millions of people around the world logging on to play games together. However, along with the positive aspects of online gaming, there is also the potential for cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is when someone is harassed, threatened, or otherwise made to feel uncomfortable by another player online. It can take many forms, from someone constantly sending offensive messages to deliberately excluding someone from a game.
Cyberbullying is a serious problem that can have a serious impact on someone’s mental health. If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, it’s crucial to reach out for help. There are many resources available to help victims of cyberbullying, and you should never feel like you have to suffer in silence.
Scamming in online gaming
Since the early days of online gaming, there have been players who have tried to scam other players out of their hard-earned virtual possessions. This type of scam can take many forms, from phishing scams to fake game websites. Unfortunately, as the virtual world continues to grow, so too does the number of scammers.
While there are many different types of scams out there, there are some common tips you can follow to protect yourself. First, be sure to only give your personal information to trusted websites. Second, don’t click on links from people you don’t know. And third, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. By following these simple tips, you can help keep yourself safe from scammers in the online gaming world.
Malware in online gaming
Malware is a serious threat to online gamers. This type of software can infect your computer and give hackers access to your personal information or your gaming account. In some cases, malware can even take control of your computer and use it to attack other gamers.
If you play online games, it’s important to be aware of the risks of malware and take steps to protect yourself. There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk, such as only downloading games from trusted sources and keeping your antivirus software up to date.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your gaming experience is safe and secure.
Related blog: Best Free Cyber Security Tools 2022
Must Read: Different kinds of ransomware attacks and their types
