Uncharted Territory
Security within mobile gaming is still very much an unknown quantity as far as players are concerned. The mobile industry has only really taken off over the last 4-5 years and this has been down to the rise of social gaming along with sports betting and online casino now being available on the go.
To the untrained eye, it can be assumed that managing the banking security of a mobile product would be as simple as managing it on the online platform. It would simply require the developer and host to transfer the necessary coding and then the job is done. The same product that is available online and operates securely is now also available on the mobile platform operating securely. Unfortunately, it is not that easy.
What To Look Out For
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when looking at the security of banking for mobile gaming. These are separated into the following categories.
Alternative payment methods – inputting bank details online can be a scary prospect and doing the same on a mobile device is no different. It is wise to make sure that you use an e-wallet as an alternative payment method to keep your details safe. E-wallets such as Paypal, Skrill, Ukash, and Entropay operate mobile offerings for players to use so check them out.
Licensing – it is vitally important to ensure that the product being used on the mobile device is licensed and regulated accordingly. Checking to make sure the product you are using falls in line with the laws and regulations of its respective jurisdiction is crucial before investing money in the product.
Auditing – in the case of mobile casinos and sports betting sites it is key to look at which independent auditor they use to audit their software and random number generators. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the operator of the product you are using acts in a fair and legal manner.
Encryption – one critical aspect of banking security with mobile products is the encryption. Find the information relating to the product detailing the encryption used. Mobile casinos should be able to offer players 128-bit SSL digital encryption on every financial transaction carried out on their site.
Mobile Casinos
Many players will have concerns about how safe their money is with mobile casinos. Mobile casinos are licensed and regulated in the same way as online casinos. Provided the mobile casino in question has the necessary proof that it is operating legally within its respective jurisdiction then players will have nothing to worry about. The London-based company eCOGRA tests a large number of mobile casinos to ensure they operate in a professional and legal way.
Players are recommended to use mobile casino brands that use software from reliable and trusted sources. Sites such as Casino.com from Playtech and Mobile Games by Probability are just two examples of these types of sites.
Anti-Virus Software
It is also advisable to protect your mobile device in as many ways as possible to prevent your banking security being breached. Big name anti-virus software developers such as McAfee, Norton, and AVG offer users mobile versions of their desktop products so getting one of their products installed is recommended. These can prove particularly helpful if you are frequently carrying out financial transactions on mobile games and apps.
Protect Yourself
There is only so much that banking security and auditors can do to keep you safe when using a mobile product. There are a number of things you can do to limit the risk you put yourself at when using a mobile product.
Limiting your mobile product use to the best rated products and sites is advisable. Not sharing your login details with anyone will also reduce the risk of your banking accounts and e-wallets becoming tampered with. Also giving correct contact information to the necessary companies with whom you are dealing with so they can contact you immediately if there is any detection of suspicious activity.
Essentially, how safe your banking security is on the mobile platform is largely down to the actions you take when playing on the mobile products. Using trusted and reliable brands is of the utmost importance. Keeping your personal details safe is also a priority. The minute you start taking risks with your own details is the minute you start compromising the security of your own account. The tools are available to protect you in the best manner possible. However, it is very much also a case of self-responsibility and just being sensible when it comes to mobile gaming and banking security.]]>
