- Gaming accounts with huge digital libraries are often targetted by attackers and hackers.
- Attackers typically rely on phishing and credential stuffing.
- Relying on two-factor authentication, password managers, etc., can safeguard users from such attacks.
Modern gamers effectively rely wholly on their digital libraries, and as proof of this concept, PlayStation has recently announced its shift away from physical games. This is because gamers buy thousands of dollars’ worth of games, microtransactions, DLCs, and more online across all sorts of platforms.
This also means that securing Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and other accounts is all the more important today. Hackers and attackers have taken quite a liking to such accounts over the years, and these attacks have become a lot more automated and convenient over the years.
Why it matters: Past instances have shown just how easy it can be to target accounts like those on the PlayStation Network. This is why gamers should take such matters very seriously.
How Gamers Are Hit
Attacks typically rely on two main methods to obtain login data and access accounts. First, they make use of credential stuffing, which effectively relies on major data breaches that can happen on any platform.
Once a platform is breached and attackers gain access to login information, they use bots to try the same combinations on platforms like Epic Games, Steam, PlayStation, etc. Needless to say, gamers using the same email and password combo on these platforms are compromised when this happens.
Phishing is also quite common, which typically happens when gamers click on a malicious link. This link can show up through a direct message, a too-good-to-be-true email, etc. Once the link is clicked, gamers find themselves on a fake login page that steals their credentials.
Elsewhere, malware is another commonly used tool to steal personal information. This type of software is typically found in suspicious downloads, and it lifts passwords straight from cookies stored in browsers.
Playing games on public networks can also result in data theft, since there’s no way of telling whether everyone connected to such a network is reliable. A privacy-focused tool like a VPN can come in handy in such cases, however, since it encrypts sent out data.
Common Platforms And Risks
For a platform like Steam, gamers must watch out for credential stuffing. If compromised, they can lose payment details and wallet money on Steam accounts, which can make an already stressful situation even worse.
Other platforms like Discord are highly susceptible to phishing attacks. Similarly, attackers target Epic Games accounts with both methods to steal V-Bucks and payment information. The same also applies to PlayStation and Xbox.
Finally, the biggest risk comes from reused passwords. Because users have a habit of using the same email and password combination across multiple platforms, a single data breach can compromise multiple accounts at times.
The solution, then, is to take precautions as much as possible. For starters, it’s a great idea to rely on Two-Factor Authentication. This step can act as a safety net, even when attackers obtain login details.
Using different passwords for each platform is also a good idea, since password managers are now more than capable of making this process very manageable. Using VPNs to encrypt data on public networks is another solid piece of advice that can come in handy.
Ultimately, it’s never a bad idea to go the extra mile when securing these accounts, especially in cases where they have thousands of dollars’ worth of games, DLCs, etc.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
Join Our Community
