Four Tricks for Protecting Your Poker Account

The recent security issues unearthed at the CEREUS Network have brought the issue of account protection back to the forefront of many poker player's minds . While the absolute amount of online poker accounts hacked does represent only a tiny fraction of the total in existence, the calamity and loss that accompanies the breach of an account and the relative simplicity of the steps that could prevent such an invasion strongly suggests that all online poker players should invest at least a minimum amount of time and energy defending their accounts.

As a poker player who has spent several hours researching the issue for both personal and professional reasons, here are the four simple ideas I'd suggest to secure your online poker accounts.

Get A Unique Email for Online Poker Accounts
The simplest step is to set up a new email. An email address is generally the softest link in the security chain. Many, if not most, people check their email several times a day and are often apt to execute this task on any computer around . This relaxed approach toward securing an email account isn't the end of the world, but the quickest way for a hacker to get control of your online poker account (short of capturing your password directly) is for them to get control of your email.

From there it's a quick trip to getting account control - all they have to do is request a password reset at any poker room where you use that email, and they're set. Now you're locked out of your accounts, and whoever's in them can be draining the account dry within minutes. Your chance of regaining access to the account in time is slim. Avoid the situation altogether by segregating your non-poker email and the email address you use for online poker. That way you can continue to be lax with your personal email if you like, but your online poker email will be protected because you'll rarely need to use it.

Don't Download Before Doing Homework
Our next tip is a no-brainer, but there are real threats so it bears repeating. A couple of years ago, a leading rakeback site offered their members a downloadable application that would allow them to estimate their rakeback payments. Little did anyone know that the company the affiliate site had contracted with to produce the software had inserted malicious code into the product that ended up compromising the accounts of several players.

Here's the real truth: there's a lot of money held by foolish hands in the world of online poker, and that fact absolutely attracts a shady element hoping to relieve said idiot of their cash. I wish I could say otherwise, but , reasonable people often get caught in the crossfire, attracted by the promise of an odds calculator or a poker bot or something similar .

Check with major poker communities like Bluff - they all have active forums and their members will be happy to tell you their experiences with the product you're considering downloading. You can also acquire complimentary scanning tools from major providers such as Symantec. Whatever road you chose, just remember the core rule: don't download anything poker-related without learning more first .

Beef Up Your Internet Connection
The serious issues at CEREUS were the result of unencrypted data vulnerable to anyone who was sniffing to an unsecure network. Unsecure networks are often at the heart of a security failing, so it's important for you to at least do a cursory review of your network and determine how safe you are.

Obviously public networks are the worst , so if you find yourself constantly playing on public networks (airports, bars ) you should probably invest in wireless broadband from ATT or a similar company. While air cards aren't as secure as a landline, they're much, much better than a public connection.

Your home connection is not as weak , but it's probably no Attica . Make sure you have encryption set up on your connection, hide your network from others and choose a difficult password. Common sense? Yes, but hackers tend to prey on the lazy and unmotivated, so common sense is all it takes.

Employ Additional Security Tools of Online Poker Rooms, and Demand Others
Most major poker rooms now offer you some sort of two-step security - a log in and password combined with a PIN , for example . Some sites offer a hardware token that you need to plug into your machine to log in (in addition to your password). Contact support at the room you play at and learn more about what options are available.

Since you're already speaking with the room, let them know you value security highly. . Challenge your room to not only meet, but exceed current standards for security so that all players can benefit.

Hopefully these ideas will motivate you to think about online poker security and taking steps to protect your accounts.

Article Source: http://physicalfitnessarticles.net

Justin Hutton is an expert in the fields of online poker security, the online gambling industry and poker commerce. To find out more about hold em tips or selling PokerStars T$, feel free to visit his website at www.dailypokertip.org.

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