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Play Mobile Games Safely

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Learning Purpose

Many mobile games have gained immense popularity worldwide. In order to enhance user interaction and the sense of reality, some of these games have adopted augmented reality (AR) and map positioning technologies to integrate with the real world. While mobile games would bring us a lot of fun, users should also pay attention to the information security risks of these games. Spending too much time on mobile games would not only affect our daily lives, but also jeopardise the safety of ourselves and others. Apart from introducing the information security risks of mobile games, this course also provides good practices on using mobile games with a view to facilitating users to enjoy mobile games safely.
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What are the security risks of mobile games?

Risks related to information security
  • If users download and install mobile games, plug-ins or gaming guides from unofficial sources, their mobile devices will probably be infected with malware which may lead to damage of computer resources. Hackers may even leverage the compromised devices in other malicious activities.

  • After obtaining permissions from users, mobile games may collect excessive information about the users, thus raising privacy issues.

  • Mobile games may access and share the personal information (e.g. the location of users) without their prior permissions, thus raising privacy issues.
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What are the security risks of mobile games? (Continued)

Other security risks
  • Playing mobile games, while walking or driving, may lower users’ vigilance to the surroundings, making them prone to accidents.

  • Users may fall victim to cyber crimes if getting acquainted with strangers with malicious intention in the game.
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Preventive measures

Preventive measures for mobile devices
  • Install only mobile games from official or trusted sources. Review the terms and conditions, in particular those related to privacy and personal data.

  • Stay vigilant against leakage of personal data. Mobile games may collect your personal data, such as location, e-mail address, or access to the camera of the mobile device.

  • Do not use your personal email account to log in the game. Use a separate e-mail account for log-in for the sake of privacy protection.

  • Use a password different from those for other accounts to log in the game.
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Preventive measures(Continued)

  • Do not play in any areas where you do not want to be geo-tagged.

  • Do not “jailbreak” or “root” the mobile device. Always keep the operating system and mobile applications up-to-date.

  • Use up-to-date anti-malware security software.

  • Avoid handling personal or sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi, in particular conducting electronic payment transactions.
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Preventive measures(Continued)

Raising security awareness
  • Be aware of your surroundings when playing the game. Do not use mobile devices while walking, crossing roads or driving.

  • Watch out for scams when buying or selling points and assets in the game.

  • Not to trust other players that you get acquainted in the game. Do not reveal personal or sensitive information in the game.

Conclusion

  • Only download and install mobile games from trusted sources.

  • Use up-to-date anti-malware security software.

  • Do not reveal personal or sensitive information in the game.

  • Be mindful of your surroundings when playing the game.

Extended readings and more resources

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