While the world appears gripped by Pokemon Go fever, the authorities are asking fans not to get so swept up that they come to harm. The game is played in the real world but requires users to focus on their mobile phones. While many people can and will safely enjoy the game, there is a risk that people make themselves vulnerable to accidents and even crime while playing, warns the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The insurance trade association set out three guidelines for safe “hunting and catching”:
Don’t drive and play – it is illegal to use a mobile phone to game while driving and doing so will increase the risk of serious accident
Be aware of your surroundings – there is higher risk of slip and trip accidents if you don’t pay attention
Be alert to those around you – displaying your mobile phone in public increases the risk of theft, so be careful about when and where you do it.
At mainline railway stations for example, signage is asking the game players to familiarise themselves with their surroundings, such as barriers and alarms, and not trespass and risk their lives for the sake of a game. Or, players are entering public areas they’re also not familiar with, and by showing their mobile devices risking theft.
Ross Penstone-Smith, Policy Adviser for General Insurance at the ABI, said: “Playing Pokemon Go shouldn’t mean letting go of your senses. It’s important to remember that mobile phone users should always have their wits about them, drive carefully and watch out for hazards.
“While insurers will be there to help customers when they have accident or are victims of crime, it’s best for everyone if risks are avoided in the first place. Following these simple principles should reduce those risks while still allowing gamers to play to their hearts’ content.”
Pictured: St Pancras station, London.
Awareness
However, Leron Zinatullin, author of The Psychology of Information Security, published by IT Governance, suggests that such games as Pokemon Go are ways to get your employees aware of information security. He gave the example of a company he’s been working with that has been experimenting with their security awareness; ‘in particular, they’ve designed posters to remind employees of potentially risky behaviours. They placed these posters in the areas where violations could occur: near the confidential bins or printers. They’ve invested in a memorable design and created funny-looking creatures people can relate to. For example, they’ve had something resembling an angry Twitter bird to emphasise the fact that employees should be mindful of what they share on social media. Other examples included monsters on the lookout for confidential data.’
He suggests going a stage further on the lines of Pokemon Go: “What if we take the monsters from the company’s posters above and make them more engaging? It only takes a small financial investment to attach a QR code to a monster, so an employee could get immediate access to the relevant section in the security policy. Or how about giving employees a quick quiz and, if answered correctly, reward them with bonus points?
“These points could be also collected for accomplishing other tasks. Your employee volunteered to participate in a security awareness presentation with her story? 100 points! Attended a lunch and learn session? How about 20 points? Reported a phishing email? Stopped a tailgater? There are many ways people can demonstrate their involvement in a security awareness programme. As long as participation is voluntary, there are clear objectives and rules, feedback is readily available and rewards are desirable, we’ve got a chance to change security culture for the better!”
