How to protect personal and payment data

Leakage of logins, passwords and card details turns into instant losses. Below is a clear set of technical and behavioral measures for the safety of your data when participating in gambling.

1. Secure authentication

1. Unique passwords for each service

Generate at least 12 characters: letters of different registers, numbers, special characters.
Store in a secure password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password).

2. Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enable via SMS or, preferably, through the code generator application (Google Authenticator, Authy).
Do not use email-2FA without a backup code.

3. Regular password change

Once every 3-6 months, update key passwords: mail, wallets, main game accounts.
At the slightest suspicion of leakage - change immediately.

2. Encryption and secure connections

1. Always check HTTPS and certificate

The address bar must contain a lock and the address must begin with "https\: //."
Click on the lock - make sure that the certificate is valid and issued by a reliable center.

2. Using VPN

Connect via a proven VPN service (NordVPN, ProtonVPN) when playing on public Wi-Fi.
Choose servers in countries with familiar legislation.

3. Avoid public networks without VPN

Disable automatic connection to open points.
If you need to access someone else's Wi-Fi, use a mobile point with your own password.

3. Browser security

1. Update and plugins

Keep your browser up to date; Disable legacy extensions.
Install uBlock Origin and NoScript to block third-party scripts and trackers.

2. Incognito mode for bets

Use private mode: cookies and cache are automatically reset.
Do not save logins and passwords through the built-in auto-filler.

3. Domain and URL validation

Before entering details, check the accuracy of the address: the absence of unnecessary characters, typos.
Do not follow the links from the "confirm win" letters - enter the address manually.

4. Protection of payment instruments

1. Virtual one-time and prepaid cards

Create a card with a hard limit (100-500 ₴) for each session.
After completing the game, destroy or close the card.

2. Electronic wallets with balance sheet delimitation

Keep only the amount for bets in your wallet (Skrill, Neteller), keep the main account separately.
Set up withdrawal and transfer limits in your wallet settings.

3. Disabling AutoLists

In the Internet bank, prohibit regular debits by templates and subscriptions.
Allow payment only after manual confirmation in the app.

5. Monitoring and notifications

1. Push notifications and SMS

Turn on alerts for any transactions: even pennies.
Set up notification limits: 1 ₴ and higher - push, 100 ₴ and higher - SMS.

2. Check statements regularly

Reconcile balance and transaction history daily.
If you find an unfamiliar operation, immediately block the card and change the password.

3. Logs of inputs

In the personal account of the casino and wallet, view the history of authorizations: IP address, device.
Lock down old sessions and end all active connections once a week.

6. Software and device update

1. Timely OS patches and antivirus

Install firewall antivirus (Kaspersky, Bitdefender) and update the virus database daily.
Set up automatic Windows/macOS/iOS/Android updates.

2. Remove unnecessary applications

Delete old VPN-, torrents and unverified "game clients."
Check the rights of applications to access contacts, files and the camera.

3. Disk encryption

Enable BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) - data cannot be accessed without a password.

7. Incident Plan

1. Immediate lockdown

Call the bank to block the card.
Password change and de-authorization of all devices.

2. Evidence gathering

Screenshots of the operation, notifications and login logs.
Recording the time and details of the incident.

3. Contact Support

Casino, payment provider, bank - describe the situation, attach evidence.
Claim a chargeback or refund.

4. Security Check and Restore

Scan your device for a full antivirus scan.
Enable 2FA on all services where possible.

Result

A set of measures: from strict authentication and encryption of connections to virtual cards and constant monitoring - guarantees the protection of your personal and payment data. Follow these rules so gambling remains a safe entertainment, not a source of leaks and financial loss.