Whether you’re a professional or a recreational gamer, you already know that there is nothing more frustrating than a lag ending a good game. Lags and system crashes can happen due to many reasons, although the most common one is the DDoS attack. In this brief guide, we will cover the basics of DDoS attacks and whether a virtual private network can help prevent these incidents during gaming.
Learn More About DDoS Attacks
DDoS or distributed denial of service attacks are the most common method hackers use to crash or slow down servers. While these attacks are being executed in different niches and industries, lately, they have become common in gaming. During a DDoS attack, hackers direct a large number of smart devices to one server to overwhelm it and cause a crash.
They use this method to interfere with players during gaming matches, gain competitive advantage, or even steal in-game items and virtual currency. Once a server fully crashes, it can take quite long to recover, disturbing gaming sessions of thousands of players worldwide.
What is a VPN?
To collect a vast amount of smart devices needed to carry out a DDoS attack, hackers breach into computers without the user even being aware of it. What’s so worrying about this is that hackers only need your IP address to “borrow” your device’s traffic for the main event.
With that in mind, you should mask your IP address using a VPN (virtual private network). What is a VPN? This is a service that allows users to connect their devices to distant and fully encrypted servers. Once connected, the user gains full privacy online and can make transactions that won’t be recorded on the internet.
How Can a VPN Help You
A VPN can come in handy for multiple reasons, especially if you are a gamer trying to stay safe online. Here are some of the most important features and benefits of this in-demand service:
- VPN masks your IP address: the most important function of this versatile service is its ability to replace your virtual address with the address of the server you are connected to. For example, if you are located in the US and connect to a German VPN, it will appear as though you are browsing the web from Germany.
- VPNs don’t log data: although not all VPN service providers are so transparent about their data management policies, many of the most reputable options claim to have a no-log rule. That means the company will not collect, record, or sell users’ data to anyone or for any reason. Make sure the VPN you choose has such a policy before you make any long-term commitments.
- Strong encryption: by connecting to a VPN, you add another layer of strong encryption. All data that goes to and from the VPN router travels through a fully encrypted tunnel that is practically impossible to breach. Hence, a VPN encryption funnel could make or break your online security these days.
- Automatic Filtering of DDoS attacks: this feature is perhaps the most relevant to the topic, as it helps prevent DDoS attacks in the first place. Since VPN providers’ goal is to keep users online one their servers for as long as possible, it is in their best interest to protect their service from such security threats. Most advanced VPN providers have a protection program against DDoS on your personal or professional computers.
- Malware protection: Lastly, a VPN is not only going to reduce the risk of DDoS related activities but will also protect you from other potential security threats. These include data breaches, malware infections, and phishing scams. A virtual private network will make you more anonymous online and, thus, be less likely to bring a virus to your device.
Using a VPN When Gaming
While many will tell you that a VPN is going to kill your game, this is far from the truth. Of course, if you opt for free VPN alternatives, you will have to sacrifice some speed and quality in your gaming experience. On the other hand, good setups should have no issues following the quick pace of the game while protecting your data in the background. Overall, a VPN will reduce the risk of DDoS attacks, as well as add an extra layer of encryption to prevent other threats.
