Poker has been a staple for social gatherings for centuries. With the dawn of the internet, it has been successfully adapted for the digital space. This success is documented in financial reports projecting that the global casinos industry would reach a market value of $153.2 billion by 2026. The primary driver for this is the rapidly growing popularity of online poker, which is being played in more and more countries worldwide.
This popularity can be attributed to the fact that playing online poker for real money offers a multitude of benefits to players. Aside from letting you win big money from the comfort of your home, these games are more quickly-paced than live poker. They also provide a wide variety of formats you can easily enjoy online.
However, there is now malware that may impact the poker experience and compromise the security of your account. Here’s what you need to know.
What is malware and how do you get them?
Malware is short for “malicious software.” These are different types of programs that try to invade your devices for nefarious purposes. The type of malware attacking poker players is called a Trojan Horse. This is a program that appears legitimate but is actually malware-in-disguise. Because of how convincing Trojan Horses look, they trick many players into thinking they are safe to download. But doing so grants the Trojan Horse permission to damage files, monitor the user’s activity, or steal sensitive data.
How does the poker malware work?
The Trojan Horse targeting poker players usually comes from website downloads and software installations. An infected computer is then accessed by the hacker, who receives screenshots of the player’s game. The hacker then attempts to join the tables their victim is playing in. They use the malware to view the infected screen, giving them a significant advantage as poker hands can determine your win. Some good news is that although the Trojan Horse is known to attack players on sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt, the threat comes from outside the game. This means that these platforms remain secure.
How can you secure your computer against malware?
There are several ways that you can protect your computer from poker malware. The first is by practicing good computer security. Keep your operating systems updated, as updates patch recently-detected vulnerabilities. Use reliable antivirus software to alert you when malware is attempting to penetrate your system. Meanwhile, many poker players use digital poker tools to assist them in their games. If you’re one of them, make sure you only download software from reputable sources.
Other general precautions you can take—often emphasized in any quality cybersecurity course include using strong, unique passwords to protect your poker account. Always make sure you play only on secure, private networks and avoid public Wi-Fi. When using social media or email, never click on unfamiliar links, especially if the message comes from an unknown sender. Finally, be selective about the online poker platforms you use. Stick to well-established sites that apply strong encryption to safeguard personal data, and verify whether the platform is regulated by a trusted online gaming authority before creating an account.
Online poker can be a lucrative endeavor. It involves real money and is highly convenient. Although malware is known to penetrate players’ devices, knowing how to protect yourself means you can continue enjoying a stress-free online poker experience.
