Is Minecraft Safe? Security Review
4/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: Minecraft is one of the safer gaming platforms for children, especially in single-player or private server modes. Public multiplayer servers carry more risk but Microsoft's parental controls help manage this.
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time with over 170 million monthly players. Owned by Microsoft, it offers creative and survival gameplay that can be played solo, with friends, or on public servers.
Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 3/5 | |
| Privacy | 4/5 | |
| Track Record | 4/5 |
Security Features
- Microsoft account security (2FA, family settings)
- Xbox Family Settings for parental controls
- Private world and server options
- Chat reporting system
- Realms (official private servers) with invite-only access
Privacy Concerns
- Public multiplayer servers are run by third parties with varying privacy standards
- Chat on public servers exposes children to strangers
- Microsoft account collects usage telemetry
- Third-party mods may contain malware or data collection
Past Security Incidents
- 2021 critical Log4Shell vulnerability in Log4j affected Minecraft Java Edition servers, allowing remote code execution
- Third-party server breaches have exposed player data (not Mojang's fault)
- No major breaches of Minecraft's core platform as of 2025
How to Stay Safe Using Minecraft
- Use Xbox Family Settings for child accounts
- Stick to single-player, Realms, or trusted private servers
- Only download mods from trusted sources
- Keep the game updated (especially Java Edition)
- Disable chat on public servers for younger children
Safer Alternatives
- Lego Builder's Journey (creative building)
- Terraria (similar genre, 2D)
Last updated: February 10, 2026