Gamers probably spend more time online more than most people. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that they’re being targetted by scammers in a variety of cyber attacks.
One of the UK’s leading online security experts has warned that the Metaverse and bots are among new ways online criminals are targeting gamers, as new research reveals 71% of gamers have themselves been or know of someone who has been targeted by scammers online.
Cyber security expert warns of danger to gamers
Jamie Woodruff, one of the world’s leading authorities on cyber security and an avid gamer, says that the Metaverse is among the new ways scammers could target the growing number of online gamers in the UK. The warning comes as new research from connectivity provider TalkTalk shows that 71% of gamers have been targeted, or know someone who has been targeted, by cyber criminals when gaming online – which is why TalkTalk and Jamie want to help make sure gamers protect themselves against the growing risks posted by scammers.
Jamie claims that the Metaverse is one of the most unknown and least regulated places when it comes to internet safety. And it’s only increasing in popularity – in fact, TalkTalk network data showed that over 5,000 Oculus headsets, which most gamers use to access the Metaverse, were connected to TalkTalk’s network on Christmas day placing it in the top five gaming gifts for the first time.
According to TalkTalk’s research, 29% of gamers have already gamed in the Metaverse, while a further 37% say they plan to. Woodruff warns that the lack of identification checks makes it easy for scammers to disguise themselves as other gamers through fake identities or avatars. Would-be scammers can fake their age, location, picture and other details, sometimes even to impersonate someone you know and trust, to gain personal information such as your logins or passwords. As a back-up security filter, set up secure Multi Factor authentication on your online gaming and social media profiles to prevent hackers from being able to access your accounts.
Beware the bots
Woodruff also warns that scammers are increasingly using bots to part gamers from their cash, with 4 in 10 (41% of gamers suspecting they have already encountered bots when playing. Bots are automated programmes set up and controlled by computers, that mimic the behaviour of humans and are now being used on gaming platforms to lure gamers into buying in-game currency – popular in immersive games such as World of Warcraft – allowing them to steal their financial details in the process.
TalkTalk research found that nearly half (46%) of gamers have purchased currency in-game, with 47 per percent admitting to handing over financial details to other players when doing so – a huge “don’t do this” according to Jamie as it’s one of the easiest ways scammers gain access to your bank accounts.
Long sessions leave gamers vulnerable
The escalating length of gaming sessions is also leaving the door ajar for scammers according to Woodruff. TalkTalk’s research found that 42 per cent of gamers game at least once a day, while on average the longest gaming session per gamer was 4.3 hours. 8 per cent of gamers even admitted to gaming for more than 10 hours at a time, while one third (32%) described themselves as addicted.
Spending such long periods behind the controller can inhibit our ability to spot malicious content. Scammers are on the lookout for tired gamers and may try to befriend them on chat rooms, Woodruff warns. Worryingly, 42% say they are more likely to trust another gamer they don’t know if they have won a game playing alongside them – which is why Woodruff advises to take breaks every hour, and if you’re feeling remotely tired, stop for the day.
Careless passwords cost pounds
Passwords are crucial to online security and gaming is no different. Despite this, half (49%) of gamers admit to using a single variation among their gaming accounts and consoles, while 35 per cent use the exact same password for all their gaming activities.
Woodruff advises that all gamers use a password manager, like the one included in TalkTalk’s SuperSafe package, to ensure that if one account or device is breached by scammers, others remain secure.
Jamie Woodruff commented: “While scams are the last thing people tend to think about when gaming, it’s important to keep your security front of mind – especially when playing in immersive virtual worlds. Whether it’s adjusting the security settings on new devices, taking a break after a long session, practising good password etiquette, or choosing a broadband provider that offers useful security features as standard like TalkTalk, it’s really important to stay safe online when gaming.”
Mark Johnson, Head of Customer Security at TalkTalk, said: “With internet usage at record levels and more gaming devices being connected to the network than ever before, it’s never been more important to stay safe online. Keeping our customers safe is our number one priority, which is why we offer a range of security add-ons including award-winning SuperSafe device protection and our HomeSafe web filter comes included as standard.
“By following Jamie’s easy tips our customers can game with greater peace of mind and ensure their sessions are remembered for all the right reasons.”
How gamers can stay safe online
- Never respond to gamers asking for personal details; they might be bots: Increasingly players buying virtual money or digital assets online are being targeted by bots, who ask for personal details that might be associated with your bank accounts. Odds are they don’t just want to send you a birthday card.
- Always use a new, strong password when setting up gaming tech: You should never use personal information – such as family or pet names – and ideally should use a password manager like the one included in TalkTalk’s SuperSafe add-on, that securely stores long, hard to guess passwords (like B*bX$%y9LUW7kyk2).
- Don’t click on anything shared in gaming chat rooms: Scammers often use chat rooms as a way of spreading malicious content, so if someone shares a link with you make sure the URLs match the genuine website. Otherwise, you may end up on a phishing website and targeted by scammers.
- Make new Metaverse friends with caution: Many scammers now use false identities and avatars on the Metaverse so they’re not identifiable, despite acting and sounding like a real person. As a back-up security filter, set up secure Multi Factor authentication on your online gaming and social media profiles to prevent hackers from being able to access your accounts.
- Be extra vigilant at the end of a long gaming session: Scammers often target tired gamers who they know have been playing for hours. If a player approaches you with strange questions at the end of a long gaming session, log off and take a break. If anyone ever pressures you to make a decision there and then, such as clicking on a link in a chat, always walk away.
Image by 11333328 from Pixabay
