Security Concerns of Pokémon GO
There’s a certain virtual reality type game that’s causing quite a stir at the moment, it’s called Pokémon GO and in common with anyone over 40 years old – I think it’s utterly pointless. However I seem to be in a minority and there does seem to be some upside – my son actually voluntarily walked the dog yesterday, I feel the need to add exclamation marks to this statement but instead here’s a picture which perhaps illustrates better ….
Yes of course he didn’t actually want to walk the dog he went searching for these virtual, cartoon type things with his phone. Look carefully as you go about your business and you’ll notice these Pokemon hunters blindly walking into street signs, busy roads all the time transfixed by their phones. Reading up in the papers and online there are stories of people walking off cliffs, being mugged and even finding corpses whilst engaged in Pokémon GO.
So here’s some brief security tips on playing safely:
- Download from a trusted source: There are bound to be dodgy or malware filled copies of the game floating around all over the internet, don’t be dumb download it from a reputable source. Go to Google Play or Apple App store, search for the application and select the one with millions and millions of downloads. Seriously it might be slow but you should be ultra careful installing anything which has access to your GPS.
- Remember GPS: Your location will be tagged and marked, if you want to remain incognito or simply want to keep your location discrete don’t play.
- Keep your Privacy: Don’t log into the app with your main account. Don’t log in with your main gmail, google or Facebook account you will be releasing your personal information to the app owner who can of course tie it into your physical location using the GPS data, too creepy – use a throwaway account or login directly.
- Play Safe: Don’t wander around dangerous places you are unfamiliar with, staring at your phone like an idiot waiting to be mugged. Be sensible and keep to safe and public places, don’t trespass or climb into private property – imagine how sad you’re going to look when the police are called.
- Everyone Can See Pokestops: Be especially careful when using Pokestops, try to go with a friend or group. Don’t visit them late at night in remote places, people have been mugged or robbed at these locations.
There will inevitably be some stories of bad stuff happening to Pokémon GO players. However in reality bad stuff happens to people all the time, although stupidity does increase your chances. I suspect it will eventually get taken off the market when a series of law suits arrives from Pokémon GO related incidents. At the moment though it’s at least trebled my teenage son’s activity level, my dog walking duties have been reduced and well all these kids seem to have a smile on their face for a change – so enjoy.