How do we keep ourselves safe from hackers and spying eyes?
This is an important question in today's world, where privacy is becoming hard to maintain.
Whether using your laptop or mobile device, there are steps to take that will help you protect your online security in the world of Online Bingo.
1. Keep Your Passwords Private
Always remember you need to keep your passwords safe. Social networking sites have been the focus of most stories, with Facebook being over-ridden with over a million profiles hacked in one day. There were so many complaints from users who claimed their personal information had been accessed that it's become obvious hackers are looking for access to everything they can get their hands on.
If you're playing bingo online, then you already know how easy it is to set up an account. All you need is some personal information, including your email address and birthday, along with a password. Choose a password that is not related to anything you have previously used to help you remember it. It's a good idea not to use anything related to your name, as those passwords are usually the first hackers discover. There have been many reports of people having their personal information hacked from Facebook and similar websites simply because they used their name as a password – so avoid doing this!
2. Only Play at Licensed Bingo Sites
Online Bingo in the UK is heavily regulated, and any site that doesn't follow these regulations can be closed down. They are also required to display the UK Gambling Commission's logo on their website while including other information like their licence number and address. You will find this right at the top or bottom of the page, where it is clearly visible.
The good news is that, whenever you see the seal, you know the site is safe. It's also a good idea to never download any software which isn't licenced for use in the UK, and always do your research before signing up with any online bingo site. BingoDaily provides plenty of reviews of the top UK bingo sites for bingo players to read, so if you're not sure which site to choose, you should start there.
3. Never Share Personal Details on Social Networks
It's easy to let your guard down when you're chatting online with friends you've known for years. But what many people don't realise is that the chances of their private conversations being picked up by hackers are quite high, even if they are using a secure server like Skype or Facebook chat.
Even information that might seem safe to reveal – such as birthdays or favourite foods – can be used to crack passwords. And if a hacker knows your favourite pet, sports team or actor from TV, then you might find they can get through the bingo account security with surprising ease.
If you do chat with people online, make sure you never give out any personal details – and even if you think your conversation is private, try to avoid revealing anything that can be used as a password or personal identifier.
4. Transfer Your Winnings To An Online Wallet
Most online bingo sites allow you to transfer your winnings directly back into your bank account, but if they don't supply this facility, then an online wallet is a must. You can create one with any of the major online payment systems such as PayPal or Neteller, but make sure you are able to keep it safe from hackers who are on the lookout for easy prey.
Just remember that this method of playing gives access to your account details, so always choose a password for the online wallet that is different from the one you used when creating your bingo site account. This will offer two levels of protection in case one of them is hacked by a cunning hacker who manages to discover the password.