Online gaming has a lot of benefits. It’s fun, provides a means of switching off, and, especially in the case of iGaming, it is more accessible than its physical equivalent.
However, with many gamers submitting bank and personal details to accounts, and depositing funds in some online accounts, there are inherent data and security risks associated with gaming. While accounts still demand the use of secure passwords, many have implemented additional security protocols, including the use of two-factor authentication.
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Why 2FA Is Necessary
Some sites have additional security layers to protect players. Multi-factor authentication, or two-factor authentication (2FA) is becoming increasingly common, especially in an online world where users are inundated with password demands. We typically need passwords for streaming services, banking services, communication apps like email, and even for phones and devices themselves.
With so many sites and accounts demanding passwords, it has become commonplace to reuse the same password across multiple sites. It has also led to people using simple passwords with easily guessed strings of characters. This means that our accounts may be easily accessible, and our details in jeopardy. 2FA offers an additional layer of protection, on top of passwords.
2FA is also beneficial to gaming and iGaming websites. In the case of iGaming sites, they are typically licensed by one of many legitimate licensing authorities around the world. The thing is that online casinos and iGaming sites are especially prone to data theft and hacking because players need to register bank details and deposit money. That’s why players should follow best security practices to ensure data security. When using the Megadice login, for example, you should create a unique password rather than reusing passwords from other sites. Ensure you log out if you access the site on a shared PC, as well. While this website has some additional layers of security and still doesn’t require a 2FA, some others have started implementing it.
How 2FA Works
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, rather than replacing existing security requirements. Users still go through the same login procedure, entering a username and password on the login screen. Once they click login, the 2FA system will request that the user add a PIN or code that has been sent to them. In some cases, this code is sent via text message to the user’s registered number.
Alternatively, it might be emailed to them, or a code can be generated on an authenticator app. Authenticator apps are not linked to phone numbers or email addresses, but to physical devices, and typically require the use of biometric authentication to gain access.
Multifactor authentication does offer certain key benefits to players.
Improved Security
2-factor authentication improves security overall because it means that anybody wanting to access a website must not only have the user’s account login details, but also need access to their messages, emails, or physical phone. It can help prevent data theft, fraud, and even phishing attacks.
Fraud Prevention
Fraud is a common threat to gamers and sees third parties pose as the user to gain access to their account. In the case of digital identity fraud, this means using their login details, like username and password, to gain access to an account and the information that the account holds. Multi-factor authentication can protect against fraud because it requires access to additional accounts or physical devices.
Helps Eliminate Identity Theft
If a hacker can gain access to one or more of your accounts, they are not only able to use that account by withdrawing money from your account, but they can also access the personal information that the account holds. Identity theft can be very damaging and difficult to recover from.
If you have registered your bank card or bank account details, the hacker will be able to get access to some of this information. They will also be able to find information like your home address and potentially even answers to your security questions, although these should be obscured within your account. 2FA prevents access to your account, which means it prevents your personal and private data from falling into the wrong hands.
Enhanced Trust
Whether you’re playing the latest MMORPG or live poker, you need to be able to trust the site you’re using. If you’re constantly worried about whether your data is safe, you’re unlikely to enjoy the game as much as you should.
Knowing that you have an additional layer of security means you can pay for new skins or deposit money into your account without having to worry about any potential fallout. This increased trust means increased enjoyment, which is, ultimately, the goal when gaming.
Login Simplification
The early days of multi-factor authentication meant users were given little keyfobs. The fobs would display a PIN, which needed to be entered to gain access to accounts. The fobs had to be small enough that they could be carried around, but they were still an inconvenient method of accessing online accounts. And, if you forgot your fob, it meant that you wouldn’t be able to access your bank account or other online account that day.
Generally, we all carry our cell phones with us every day, and they have become so entrenched in our daily lives that we rarely forget them. Modern multi-factor authentication is more convenient.
Phishing Prevention
Phishing attacks use social engineering as a means of gaining account information. The most common phishing scam sees individuals receive emails from thieves containing a link to a fake clone of a website. The email contains offers or some means of encouraging the user to click through. The user enters their username and password and the thief is able to use those details to log in on the real website.
Because multi-factor authentication requires additional checks that can’t be accessed using phishing methods.
Shores Up Weak Passwords
Weak passwords are a common problem in data security. Some of the most commonly used passwords are 123456 and password, which shows how easy it is for hackers and thieves to gain access to some accounts. Although players should always ensure they use secure passwords and secure password selection, multi-factor authentication can help protect accounts with weak passwords.
A Step Towards Passwordless Access
In 2004, Bill Gates predicted that we would move to a future where we no longer used passwords and they would be replaced by biometrics and other forms of security login. As yet, he hasn’t been proven right.
More accounts and more online users mean more passwords than ever before. However, biometrics are becoming commonplace, and multi-factor authentication is another step towards this passwordless future.
Conclusion
Multi-factor authentication isn’t without its pitfalls. While modern methods of MFA are easier than earlier methods, it does add an extra layer to the secure login process, and some critics point out that two-factor authentication is not as secure as some believe it to be. But, it does add an extra layer of security that can help improve the security of our online accounts and protect the data we have on online gaming and iGaming accounts.
