Even with the methods used by the on-line poker room to secure their systems, finances, and, most importantly, their players, there are still steps that the player can take to insure even greater security on their machine. The most simple security concepts and methods, possibly so simple they are OFTEN overlooked, are proper password formatting, user accounts on the computer, firewalls, and routers (not necessary if only one computer and not using wireless in the home). The actual details of every possible configuration and instructions, due to length, cannot be discussed here. But, instructions for software usage and/or hardware usage should be on the player's current computer and is generally very easy to setup.
Passwords are always discussed regarding computer security, almost ad nauseum, yet, almost all attacks or personal information being obtained unwittingly could have been prevented with the use of proper passwords. The longer the password, the better, because there are more combinations the more characters there are. 7-10 characters should be sufficient though. NEVER use dictionary words, names, birth dates, etc. This is not even an option if lower case and upper case letters, numbers, and special characters are used in the password. And to make remembering the password easier, but still apply the above techniques, a passphrase can be used. For example, "I always sign up for rakeback to receive more money!" Then use the first letter of each word, "Iasufrtrmm!" (not including the quotes), to make it even more secure substitute 'for' with '4', 'to' with '2', and 'money' with '$'. The passphrase will now be "Iasu4r2rm$!". There is no real discernible rhyme or reason to the password AND the passphrase can be written down somewhere where it appears 'in context'. The above password rules should be used for all passwords, but especially for poker accounts (or rakeback accounts when you have to choose a payment method).
Controlling access to the computer is a little better now with Windows than in the past, but it is currently not at the level of Linux. This won't stop somebody, though, from following the rule of 'least privileges'. In a nutshell, for Windows users, do not use an administrator account (whether the account is the actual 'Administrator' or the user(s) account that has administrator privileges) for daily use. The limited account does not have as many privileges as the administrator account does and cannot make as many changes, such as deleting or writing to important system files AND installing software. By using the limited account, the poker player will greatly decrease a virus or any form of malware being installed on the computer, because they do not have permissions to install software. An administrator account will still be necessary, but for listening to music, playing poker, etc. a limited account is preferred and more stable. The administrator accounts and user accounts need strong passwords just like any other account created.
If a firewall is not installed on the computer one can easily be obtained for free and simply installed (It is recommended that you discuss any software modification, including a router and firewall, with a professional before making any changes*). Most firewalls require minimum configuration and prevent most intrusions. If a router is currently used on the computer, then it might already come with a firewall, since most current routers do. If a wireless router is being used, preventing others from accessing the network is very important. A few things to do to configure the router is turn off the 'broadcast signal', so others, within a close enough range, cannot as easily have access to your network. It is possible to configure the router to only allow certain computers to connect to the network using the computer's MAC address (unique number to each computer made). If a wireless router is installed, but only for guests or a computer not in use, turning off the wireless (not just the broadcast, but the ability to even connect to the wireless network) and connecting directly through the network card is another great preventative method. And, of course, the most important part, is creating a strong password (routers will actual create this for you)that will help prevent unwanted users access to the network.
A strong password, not saved anywhere on the machine, is essential for keeping those on the outside out and those that share the computer or network out of your accounts as well. If those that share the computer or network have access to your personal information, the risk of them disseminating this information, intentional or not, is much higher if they can access it. With the firewall and router installed, those trying to get in, in order to get information out are up against wall in either direction.
There are many configurations and quite a few other ways to make your machine more secure for online poker. Before making any permanent software or hardware changes, please talk with a professional about those changes to make sure you understand the effects of any of these changes. We cannot be held responsible for any mistakes made to your computer system.
*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone. Rake Tracker and/or any of their affiliated companies do not endorse, assume any legal liability, or offer any warranty, implied or not, for any of the services or information found in this article.
Shannon Gilchrist is the lead editor of Rake Tracker, a site dedicated to online poker rake tracking and rakeback.
