Hello everyone!
Welcome to the sixth edition of the Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter!
Can you believe it's already been six months since we launched our first newsletter issue?😮
I'd like to take this opportunity I would like to thank all regular participants, as well as welcome new ones and encourage everyone to share their thoughts related to the topic of this issue.
Last month, we explored the importance of having complex and unique passwords. We also highlighted the most frequent errors made when creating or entering passwords. If you wish to review previous releases, you'll find a list to all previous editions at the bottom of this post. 😊
For this issue, we'll concentrate on topic closely related to online gaming - specifically, streaming gameplay. We will also think about the precautions you can take to ensure your online safety isn't compromised.
If you are a streamer, you are more than welcome to share a link to your streaming platform profile!
However, please refrain from providing profiles to gain monetary value.
As usual if you participate in the newsletter by joining the conversation, solve the challenge or take the quiz you'll receive an unique badge to your forum badge collection!
Security focus - Stream(er) Safety
- Threat of doxxing to online Streamers; What is doxxing?
Doxxing poses a significant risk to unsuspecting streamers. It involves unauthorized public disclosure of personal information. Those might be possessed through social media, or through social engineering. The individual publishing such data often aims to embarrass, harm, or online-shame the victim victim by revealing potentially shocking information.
- Mind your digital footprint
While streaming, it's important to be mindful of both what you're saying and what you're displaying. Remember, your stream could be recorded and later used to extract your private information. Make sure not to disclose details that could reveal your location or address. If your correct location is mentioned by someone during the stream, remain calm and refrain from confirming the accuracy of the information.
- Create a Safe Streaming Environment
This includes your computer - ensure that your desktop or browser doesn't display any information that could be personally identifiable. Additionally, keep an eye on what's visible in the camera's view like windows, mirrors, doors, or a pin board with memos.
- Secure your accounts and use privacy features
Whenever possible, use Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and create unique, strong passwords. It is crucial to create separate PC account, email address just for the stream purposes, and any other social media platform accounts which are not associated with your own private account. Check the privacy features on the streaming platforms and adjust them to your preference. Never mention your real name in in the chat.
- Use moderation tools, or ask someone to look after your stream as a moderator
In addition to securing your personal information and creating a safe environment, it's also essential to have control over what's happening during your live streams. Utilize the moderation tools provided by the platform to manage comments and engagement. These tools allow you to filter out inappropriate comments, block users, or chat to certain users. You might also consider asking trusted person to act as a moderator on your streams. Having extra pair of eyes (and hands 😉) and ensure that the conversations remains respectful and safe. When it comes to moderation don't allow to use links in the chat, as they are usually used for phishing attacks.
- Never share your stream key
A stream key is a unique string of characters that allows programs to stream your gameplay directly to the platform. If someone possesses your stream key, it might lead to a takeover of your stream. A person in possession of your stream key could, without your account details, stream as you!
What to Do if You’re Being Doxed - an Interview with Eva Galperin, the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation
Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - April
Maze Challenges
Over the course of the month, we'll release 3 Maze challenges. Each of them will hold different questions, but they will all stay within the theme of this month's topic.
Guide for the Challenge:
- Your task is to answer 10 questions.
- Note down the questions you have already answered.
- Pick the question you want to start from (it doesn't have to be question 1).
- After choosing the correct statement, note down the characters marked in blue next to the answer you have chosen.
- Proceed to the question whose number is next to #
Community Admin
Community Manager