If you've ever been to Nevada, then you know that gambling is an integral part of the state's culture, especially in Las Vegas.

However, due to recent world events, not everyone feels comfortable spending time in casinos. Because of this, gamblers are stepping away from their poker tables to test their luck on virtual gambling platforms.

The recent influx of online gamblers is both a good and bad thing.

For one, these platforms give people the ability to spend time doing something that they enjoy. However, the recent surge in popularity has also made online gambling platforms a target for hackers and cyber-attackers.

Getting targeted by a cybercriminal is a serious issue that has real consequences. Falling victim to a cyber-attack can result in:

• Having money stolen from your account
• Being restricted from your account
• Having your personal or financial data compromised

If you're new to the online gambling scene, be sure to make use of the tips mentioned below:

Never Share Your Account Information with Anyone

As a rule of thumb, you should never share your account information over a digital platform, including email.

Sharing your account information is an easy way to compromise your digital security. If you unwittingly share your information with a hacker, he or she can use your credentials to access and compromise your account.

Use a VPN

If you live in a building with a public WiFi network, then you should invest in a top notch VPN service before your next session of online blackjack or slots.

Public WiFi networks are notoriously easy to access, especially if they aren't password-protected. After accessing a public WiFi network, hackers can initiate a man in the middle (MitM) attack.

MitM attacks are commonly used to intercept data on low-security networks, like the ones located in:

• Coffee shops
• Hotels
• Rec centers

This is where an online virtual private network (VPN) comes in handy.

A VPN is a program that allows users to encrypt their data and mask their activity online. This means that you can use a VPN to transform a standard public WiFi network into your own private network.

In turn, using a VPN makes it nearly impossible for cyber-attackers to intercept your data while you're gambling online.

It's also worth noting that VPNs allows you to change vital pieces of information, like your IP address and your geolocation. Doing this helps you to bypass foreign gambling restrictions, thus giving you the ability to gamble in countries that restrict outside users.

Don't Download Any Third-Party Software

Most popular digital gambling platforms allow users to play directly on an internet browser. Not only is this easier for casual users, it's also much safer.

When you download programs from an unreputable third party, there's a chance that you're exposing your device to malicious software (malware).

Malware is harmful software that is used to obtain sensitive and valuable data from unsuspecting users. Furthermore, downloading malware can negatively impact your computer's software, causing its speed and power to degrade over time.

Thankfully, there's a simple thing that you can do to protect your device from malware: download an antivirus program from a reputable source. Modern antivirus programs can target and eliminate malware before it becomes established.

Be sure to implement the cybersecurity practices mentioned above before your next big game. Good luck, have fun and remember to stay safe!