DATE: February 4, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT:  Steven Mandurano                                                                         

TELEPHONE:  206.364.2789 ext. 117

EMAIL:  steven@merchantriskcouncil.org

COUNCIL’S GAMER SAFETY ALLIANCE ISSUES BEST PRACTICES DURING GAMER SAFETY WEEK

SEATTLE, WA (February 4, 2013) - The Merchant Risk Council’s (MRC) Gamer Safety Alliance (GSA) today issued a set of best practices to coincide with the second annual Gamer Safety Week. 

“Gamer Safety Week is an opportunity each year for our merchants to promote account safety and security within the gaming space,” said Tom Donlea, MRC’s managing director for the Americas. “The gaming industry is a significant entertainment vertical and is a key driver of innovation in online payments.”

 The theme of this year’s Gamer Safety Week is “account safety and security in the online world.” Merchant gamers will focus on educating consumers and businesses on contact, conduct and content in the online gaming world.

 “A user’s reputation, history and online identity can be lost in just minutes,” noted Arthur Chu, lead fraud manager for Nexon America. “It is therefore critical for users with online accounts to take steps to safeguard those accounts, and equally important for companies to provide users with robust tools and resources.”

 “Once someone else has access to your virtual account they can use any payment type you have on file and may also be able to access other online profiles that you own,” said Doug Park, director of online safety for Microsoft’s Xbox.  

 To mitigate risk and raise awareness, the GSA issued the following, which highlight important issues and best practices for the entire gaming community. 

·         Add security proofs (phone number, secondary email address, etc.) to all online accounts where possible, especially email accounts used as usernames.

·         Download/purchase the latest security updates for online devices (computers, tablets, etc.).

·         Install and update virus, spyware and malware protection software on all devices.

·         Utilize browser phishing filters.

·         Create strong passwords.

·         Do not share usernames and passwords with anyone.

 “Gamer Safety Week is an opportunity for everyone to think about what safety means to them in their digital world. The Gamer Safety Alliance encourages companies and individuals alike to assess whether they are doing everything possible for a safe online experience,” said Nelson Ho, lead fraud manager for Electronic Arts.

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ABOUT THE MRC

The Merchant Risk Council (MRC) is a merchant-led trade association focused on electronic commerce risk and payments globally. The MRC leads industry networking, education, benchmarking and advocacy programs to make electronic commerce more efficient, safe and profitable.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the MRC has a European office in Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.merchantriskcouncil.org.

ABOUT THE GAMER SAFETY ALLIANCE

Established in 2009 by MRC members as an affiliate group, the Gamer Safety Alliance (GSA) is a cross-company  effort to break down traditional competitive barriers and share information and best practices within the computer and video game industry. GSA members represent Global corporations including, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Nexon America, Forsaken Studios, Jagex, Blizzard and Mind Candy. The GSA mission for consumers is for them to be aware and practice the “3 C’s”

·         Contact: Be thoughtful about who you communicate with and only engage with those that you trust. Utilize communications tools for you and your family. Don’t communicate sensitive information with those that you do not know. 

·         Conduct: Practice good digital citizenship and be respectful of others. Do not post harmful or hurtful material, and have fun. Know the proper steps to help keep your accounts secure and use different, strong passwords across multiple sites while never providing passwords to others.

·         Content: Most games have ratings and descriptions of the content. Use this information to play games that are appropriate for you and your family. Check out ESRB ratings in the United States, PEGI ratings for most of Europe or your local ratings agency for more information. 

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