With the convenience of having games at your fingertips, it’s easy to forget that your smartphone is a personal hub filled with sensitive information. It’s crucial to take a step back and think about the security and wellbeing of both your device and yourself.
Following a few simple tips will help you enjoy your gaming experience without compromising your privacy or health.
Secure your digital look with MFA
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an essential security measure to protect your accounts from unauthorised access. Many gaming apps require login credentials, and hackers frequently target these accounts.
Set up MFA to add an extra layer of protection, making it harder for someone to break into your account even if they have your password. Whenever possible, enable MFA on your game-related accounts or platforms.
Use an authenticator app or text message verification to double-check that only you can log in.
Practice bypass charging to save your battery
Constant gaming can quickly drain your battery, leaving you unable to enjoy your favourite games when you need them most. To avoid this, you should use your phone’s “bypass charging” feature.
This setting allows power to go directly to the processor rather than through the battery, preventing it from overcharging and potentially extending its lifespan. Many smartphones come with this feature, and it’s especially handy when you’re playing for extended periods.
Charging while playing can heat up your device, causing the battery to degrade more rapidly. Using this feature can protect your phone’s longevity and maintain a better experience.
Lockdown app permissions
Gaming apps often ask for permissions that go beyond what’s necessary for the game itself. It’s tempting to accept all permissions without a second thought, but you could be granting apps access to sensitive data. This could put your privacy at risk, especially when playing online slots or multiplayer games where personal information might be exposed. To tighten security, go into your phone’s settings and restrict the permissions of each game.
Deny unnecessary access, such as location tracking or access to your contacts, unless it’s absolutely required. The more control you have, the safer your device will be.
Optimise for eye-sync wellness
Gaming for hours can strain your eyes and lead to discomfort or even longer-term damage if you’re not careful. The blue light emitted from screens contributes to digital eye strain and poor sleep, especially when you play in dim environments.
To protect your eyes, consider enabling your device’s night mode or blue light filter. These settings reduce the strain on your eyes and help you maintain a healthy sync between your natural circadian rhythm and screen time.
Additionally, take regular breaks. Even a short pause every 20 minutes can ease the strain and keep your eyes in good condition.
Use burner details for social features
Many mobile games come with social features like leaderboards and in-game purchases. These features often require personal details, which can lead to unwanted exposure.
To protect your identity, create a separate email or login credentials specifically for gaming, and avoid using your primary personal information. This will help keep your actual identity secure and reduce the chances of encountering unsolicited contact or data breaches.
While it might seem like an extra step, it significantly improves your overall security and privacy.
Article by Kira Brown.
