Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 – Topic 8: Safety and Security
Topic 8: Safety and Security
Objective
Know and understand how to minimise the potential danger of using online gaming, including not using real names and not giving out personal or financial data.
Why Safety Matters in Online Gaming
Online games connect millions of players worldwide. While they provide entertainment and social interaction, they also expose users to risks such as identity theft, fraud, cyber‑bullying, and malware. Understanding these risks helps learners protect themselves and their personal information.
Common Risks in Online Gaming
Identity theft: Sharing real names, birth dates, or photos can allow others to impersonate you.
Financial fraud: Providing credit‑card details for in‑game purchases can be exploited.
Phishing and scams: Fake messages or links that try to steal login credentials.
Malware infection: Downloading unofficial game mods or cheats can install viruses.
Cyber‑bullying and harassment: Personal information can be used to target or embarrass players.
Data tracking: Games may collect location, usage patterns, and other personal data.
Key Safety Practices
Use a pseudonym: Create a gaming name that does not reveal your real identity.
Protect personal details: Never share your full name, address, school, or phone number in chat or profiles.
Guard financial information: Use secure payment methods, avoid storing credit‑card details on gaming platforms, and never share payment info with other players.
Set strong passwords: Combine letters, numbers, and symbols; change passwords regularly.
Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your gaming accounts.
Be cautious with downloads: Only install updates or mods from official sources.
Review privacy settings: Limit who can see your profile, send messages, or view your activity.
Report suspicious activity: Use in‑game reporting tools for harassment, phishing, or cheating.
Checklist for Safe Gaming
Action
Why Important
How to Implement
Choose a pseudonym
Prevents real‑world identification
Combine letters and numbers; avoid any part of your real name
Keep personal data private
Reduces risk of identity theft and bullying
Never disclose address, school, or phone number in chats or profiles
Secure financial details
Prevents unauthorised purchases and fraud
Use prepaid cards or secure payment gateways; do not store card info
Use strong, unique passwords
Stops attackers from guessing or cracking accounts
At least 12 characters, mix of upper/lower case, numbers, symbols
Enable 2FA
Adds a second verification step
Activate via account settings; use authenticator app or SMS
Download only from official sources
Prevents malware infection
Use the game’s official website or trusted app stores
Adjust privacy settings
Limits who can contact you
Set profile to “Friends only” or “Private” where possible
Report and block
Protects you and other players from abuse
Use the game’s report function; block harassing users
Case Study: “The Pseudonym Problem”
Emma, a 13‑year‑old player, used her real first name and school in her gaming profile. A stranger contacted her, asking for her birthday and a photo for a “prize”. Emma complied, and the stranger later posted the information online, leading to bullying at school. By switching to a pseudonym and keeping personal details private, Emma could have avoided the situation.
Summary
Never use your real name or identifiable details in online games.
Never share personal or financial data with other players.
Protect accounts with strong passwords and two‑factor authentication.
Only download game content from official sources.
Regularly review and adjust privacy settings.
Report suspicious or abusive behaviour immediately.
Suggested diagram: Flowchart showing the steps to safe online gaming – from creating a pseudonym to reporting abuse.