Gaming isn't just about kills, loot, and skill; it's also about the risks that are easy to forget during gameplay. Viruses, trojans, hidden miners, and keyloggers can turn a powerful PC into a breeding ground for problems.

Just imagine this scenario: you're launching an online shooter, and your FPS suddenly drops because some hidden miner is mining crypto for a hacker in the background. The situation is even worse if you can't even access your gaming account because all your login data leaked through a trojan.

The good news is that protecting against threats for free is possible. In this article, we'll discuss the best free tools for keeping your system secure so you can focus on your games.

Antivirus

Best Antivirus for IoT Devices Luma

You can't go without antivirus software if you play online, constantly download mods, or test different launchers. Even with strict discipline and avoiding suspicious links, catching a virus is still very easy. Any downloaded torrent file might already be infected, and you can also get a virus simply from ads on various websites.

Threats come in many forms – from simple adware trojans to keyloggers that steal access to passwords, including login data for Bitcoin pokies casinos. Since many Bitcoin pokies sites operate on blockchain technology, they offer provably fair games, giving players confidence in the fairness of each spin.

However, security remains a top concern – players must protect their login credentials and funds from potential cyber threats, including malware and phishing attacks. Using reliable antivirus software helps safeguard gaming accounts and prevents hackers from stealing sensitive information while enjoying Bitcoin pokies.

What's worse is that you might not even know some of these threats exist. Here are some free antivirus options that handle threats well:

• Windows Defender – already built into the operating system, light, and does a decent job with basic threats;
• Avast Free Antivirus – a time-tested antivirus with strong real-time protection;
• Bitdefender Free Edition – almost invisible, but excellent at blocking malicious software.

Anti-Malware Software

Anti-Malware Software for Gaming PCUnsplash - Chuck Fortner

Regular antivirus software is good, but sometimes it just can't catch the hidden junk that builds up in your system over time. Masked viruses, spyware, adware trojans – all of this can quietly live on your computer. It can slow it down, show you unwanted ads, and even steal personal data from your gadgets. Miners are especially dangerous; they overload both the CPU and GPU, making it impossible to play comfortably. Some effective free tools in this category include:

• Malwarebytes Free – one of the best scanners, finding even what antivirus software misses;
• AdwCleaner – cleans up browsers from harmful extensions, hidden ads, and unnecessary software;
• SUPERAntiSpyware Free – protects against spyware that could be tracking your actions.

All of the above software runs manually, so there is no background activity. This means you won't have to worry about it slowing down your system during gaming sessions.

Firewalls

Even the best antivirus software doesn't guarantee 100% protection. Many malicious programs don't attack your device directly; they wait for the right moment to steal and send your personal and confidential data to attackers. This is where a firewall comes in – it filters incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking suspicious connections. We recommend these top firewalls for gamers:

• GlassWire – not just a firewall but also a handy network activity monitor that shows which programs are trying to access the internet;
• ZoneAlarm Free Firewall – a classic option that effectively blocks suspicious connections.

VPN – Data Protection and Anonymity

Gamers often ignore VPN software until they face real issues. This includes sudden server blocks, DDoS attacks, and personal data leaks. A VPN is not only a great tool to quickly change your region on Steam; it's also an effective way to protect your device. You can encrypt your traffic, hide your real IP address, and prevent your ISP from tracking your online activity. Here are some free VPN options to consider:

• ProtonVPN Free – unlimited VPN with high speed and no logs;
• Windscribe Free – 10GB of traffic per month, protection against ads and trackers.

Password Managers – To Keep Your Accounts Safe

Password Managers for Gaming PCsunsplash - Ella Don

Losing access to an account is always painful and frustrating. Imagine trying to access your Steam store and finding you no longer have access to your game library. Or worse, someone hijacks your favorite RPG account, links a new email, and changes the password. A common problem among gamers is using the same passwords across multiple sites – stores, forums, and online casinos.

Why do gamers avoid using different passwords for different platforms? It's simple: remembering many different combinations is nearly impossible. And writing them down isn't a good idea either. One of the top solutions is using a password manager. This software securely stores all your combinations and helps you quickly generate strong and reliable passwords. Check out these free options:

• Bitwarden – open-source service with synchronization across all devices;
• KeePass – offline password storage for maximum security.

Conclusion

Gamers don't want to think about security when launching their favorite game. But ignoring it can lead to a whole set of serious problems. Viruses, miners, keyloggers – all these things can affect your FPS, lead to account theft, and compromise your personal, banking, and confidential data.

The good news is that modern software can provide protection without requiring a serious financial investment. Just choose the right programs and stay alert to any threats to your computer.