Over the years, we have seen the continued development and evolution of almost everything because of technological advancements and the Internet. In the world of gaming, computer games nowadays can virtually connect different players. Regardless of the gaming consoles or electronic gadgets you are using, the Internet can link you with other gamers and initiate a battle or competition with them. However, most online games require participants to create an identity or a gamer tag. This is where security concerns rise. In fact, Kaspersky said that the increasing popularity of Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) and other Internet gaming platforms draws the attention of cybercriminals.
When players create their gamer tags, they should remember to separate their gaming identity from their other online personas. If they fail to do so, they will be prone to cyber attacks, such as revenge and threats just because they have an awesome online kill streak, and cyber pranks like swatting. Most recruiters also look into all the applicant’s online and social media profiles.
- Cyber Attacks
If you think that cyber attacks are harmless, think again! Most cyber attackers are looking for revenge. When things get personal, so will the attacks. There are people who become obsessed with their opponents that they really spend a lot of time figuring out who their rivals are in real life. They often resort to sending you hate mails or turning up at your property just to threaten you.
- Swatting
Coined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), swatting happens when your opponent calls 911 and sends the police or the Special Weapons Attack Team (SWAT) to your doorstep for fake, violent reasons such as hostage crisis and shooting. A lot of swatting episodes took place while gamers are live streaming themselves and their game sessions on Twitch. The idea may seem funny for the pranksters, but swatting is a form of domestic terrorism and can lead to 25 years of federal imprisonment.
- Job Applications
Trash talking is fairly common especially in heated gaming sessions. We usually say or post things we don’t really mean. There are also game threats involved, which are nonsensical since people play around in a harmless way. However, job applicants should ensure that they are using gaming identities that cannot be traced back at them. Recruiters often look into the background of their potential recruits, including their online presence (e.g. LinkedIn). Therefore, the next time you plan on going crazy on the Internet, use an imaginary cyber tag like GhostKilla2579 or KingReaper49 instead of your real name.