PlayStation Account Hacked? Here’s How to Secure Your Gaming Experience

Your PlayStation is more than just a gaming console. If your PlayStation account is hacked, the repercussions can extend far beyond the console to affect your financial health and personal privacy.

The first step toward safeguarding your PlayStation is awareness. This article aims to provide you with all the knowledge you need to protect your PSN account and prevent hackers. Remember, the best antivirus software can act as your frontline of defense and secure your PlayStation against unauthorized access. But if your account has already been hacked, we provide steps on how to recover it.

What to do if your PlayStation account has been hacked

Hackers frequently target PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to engage in fraudulent purchases, sell your account on the black market, or use your personal information for phishing.

Discovering your PlayStation account has been hacked is a distressing experience, but fear not. Prompt and decisive action can help mitigate damages and secure your account from further unauthorized access. If you suspect your PlayStation Network account has been hacked, follow these steps to help stop hackers.

1. Try to Change Your PSN Password

The first step to regaining control is changing your PSN account password. This can prevent hackers from further exploiting your account. To do so, visit the PSN account management website or the PlayStation app and select the change your password option. If you can’t log in, use the Forgot Password feature to reset your current password.

2. Sign Out of All Devices

After changing your password, you should sign out of all devices connected to your PSN account to prevent the hacker — or any other unauthorized user — from regaining access. You can do this through the account management settings on the PlayStation website.

3. Review Your Transaction History for Unauthorized Purchases

You should carefully review your account’s transaction history for any unmade purchases. Hackers often attempt to buy games and in-game items and even subscribe to things using stored payment methods. By identifying these transactions early, you can disrupt charges and prevent further financial losses.

4. Remove Payment Methods Associated With Your PSN Account

It’s important to remove all payment methods linked to your PSN account. To do this, navigate to your account settings.

5. Alert Your Financial Institution of the Suspected Breach

You must contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately if you discover any suspicious transactions. They will be able to monitor your accounts for further suspicious activity.

6. Contact PlayStation Support Directly

Informing PlayStation support about unauthorized transactions is important. They can help reverse these transactions as well as provide additional advice on securing your account. It’s essential to keep records of your communication for future reference.

If you believe your account is compromised, head to PlayStation’s compromised PSN account page and follow the instructions.

7. Enable 2FA on Your PSN Account

Two-factor authentication (2FA) can add an additional layer of security to your PSN account. After regaining control of your account, you should enable this immediately. It will typically involve linking your account to your mobile number or email address and receiving a unique code each time you log in.

How to recover a hacked PlayStation account

To recover your PSN account, you need to act swiftly with a series of steps, whether on your console or PC:

PlayStation Console

1. First, try logging into your PlayStation account from your console. If your password has been changed, select the Forgot Password option.
2. Follow the instructions to reset your password. You'll need access to the email associated with your PlayStation account to receive a password reset link.
3. If you can't reset your password because your account information has changed, contact PlayStation support to troubleshoot the PSN sign-in issue. PSN support can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.
4. Once you've regained access you should review your account details for any changes made by the hacker. Pay close attention to your account's email address, passwords, and any two-factor authentication settings.

PC

1. Visit the official PSN website and attempt to log in to your account. Select the Reset Password option.
2. Follow the instructions sent to your email to reset your account password. If the hacker has hanged the email account associated with your PSN account, you won’t receive the password recovery email.
3. Without access to your email, the next step is to contact PlayStation support for assistance to troubleshoot the PSN sign-in issue. Be prepared to provide information that verifies you are the rightful account owner. This includes your PSN account name, payment information, or serial numbers from your PlayStation devices.
4. After recovering your account, thoroughly check and update your primary email address, password, and security settings.

Signs your PSN account has been hacked

Identifying a hacked PSN account early can be the difference between a quick recovery and a significant loss. Hackers often leave behind traces of their unauthorized access, which will allow you to take immediate action.

Some key signs that your account has been compromised include:

• You discover unfamiliar games in your library. If you notice games or DLCs you don't remember purchasing, it's a clear sign that someone else has accessed your account. Hackers might use your account to buy games, either for their use or to sell them at a lower price elsewhere.
• Your account information has changed. If your account details, such as your email address, password, or profile information, have been altered without your knowledge, it strongly indicates unauthorized access. This is especially concerning if you cannot log in with your usual credentials.
• Someone logged into your account from an unknown device. Receiving notifications about logins from devices you don't recognize is a red flag. PSN will typically send an email or notification when your account is accessed from a new device.
• You receive unprompted emails from PSN. Unprompted emails about password changes, email updates, or other account modifications you didn't initiate are a warning sign. They are often the first hint of suspicious activity on your account.
• Your account has unauthorized transactions. You should immediately scrutinize any transactions or purchase history that you don't recognize. Hackers may make purchases using your stored payment methods.
• You notice friends and messages you don't recognize. Seeing unfamiliar names in your friends list or messages sent from your account that you didn't write can indicate that your account is under someone else's control.
• You can't access online multiplayer. If you suddenly can’t join online games, and it's not due to a service outage, it's possible your account has been banned due to fraudulent activity performed by the hacker.
• You see suspicious activity on linked accounts. If your PSN account is linked to other services or social media, watch for unusual activity on those accounts. Hackers often exploit linked accounts to gain broader access to your digital life.

10 tips to keep your PlayStation account safe from hackers

By implementing a variety of best practices, you can significantly reduce the chances of someone being able to hack your account. Here are some useful tips on how to fortify your PSN account and stay safe online:

1. Make sure to log out from any public device or network you may use to access your PlayStation account to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Keep your account details within your household and never share them online, even with friends.
3. Stay alert to the signs of phishing, such as unsolicited phishing emails or smishing text messages asking for your account details. PlayStation will never ask for your password via email.
4. When in doubt, don’t click. Whether in emails, messages, or on websites, clicking on dubious links can compromise your account security.
5. Never disclose sensitive account details, even in seemingly innocuous online forums or social networks.
6. Enable two-factor authentication. Adding this extra layer of security means that even if someone gets your password, they won't be able to access your account without the secondary code sent to your mobile device or email.
7. Create complex passwords that are hard to guess, and use a different password for each online account you have.
8. Keeping your gaming console and any device you use to access your PlayStation account updated ensures you have the latest security patches.
9. Regularly check your account for any signs of unauthorized access, such as unfamiliar transactions or messages.
10. Use reputable antivirus software to guard against phishing, keyloggers, and malware that could compromise your account. Ensure your antivirus is set to conduct regular scans to detect and isolate threats before they can cause harm.

Best antivirus software to protect your PlayStation account

To protect your PlayStation account from hackers, you should use antivirus software. Using the antivirus software will provide you with greater security to battle threats like phishing attempts and malware.

Here are three top recommendations for you to use with your PSN account:

• Norton 360 Antivirus offers multi-layered protection systems that guard against a variety of threats. With standout features such as real-time threat protection, a smart firewall, and a secure VPN, it’s an excellent choice for your PlayStation.

  Get Norton 360 Antivirus | Read Norton 360 Antivirus Review

  Enjoy Norton’s 100% Virus Protection Promise

  

  5.0

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  On Norton 360 Antivirus's website

  Antivirus Software

  Norton 360 Antivirus

  Save up to 58% your first year

  • 4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
  • Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
  • Available for up to 10 devices depending on plan
  • Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
  
  

• Bitdefender is credited for its advanced threat defense technology that utilizes behavioral detection to closely monitor active apps. It takes instant action as soon as it detects anything. For PlayStation users, Bitdefender offers strong protection against phishing and malicious websites.

  Get Bitdefender | Read Bitdefender Review

  

  4.8

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  On Bitdefender's website

  Bitdefender

  • Antivirus software offering reliable security
  • Simple yet powerful interface tools
  • Perfect protection score in third-party tests
  • Premium features incur additional subscription fees
  
  

• McAfee provides a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that offers antivirus protection, internet security, and a secure VPN. It protects unlimited devices, which makes it attractive for anyone looking to protect their household devices and PSN account.

  Get McAfee | Read McAfee Review

  Online Protection With VPN Access and Identity Monitoring

  

  5.0

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  Learn More

  On McAfee's website

  All-In-One

  McAfee

  Save $90 on a 2-year plan

  • Inclusive antivirus, scam, and web protection with the added privacy of a VPN, identity monitoring, and secure password manager
  • Get a real-time Protection Score that measures your online safety and offers guidance to improve security
  • Added peace of mind with 24/7 expert online support and McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge
  • Multiple pop-ups for text notifications can be annoying
  
  

FAQs

Bottom line

Securing your PlayStation account is crucial for protecting your personal information from cyberthreats. You can ensure your gaming experience remains uninterrupted and secure by staying vigilant against any signs of hacking, adopting robust security measures, and understanding the recovery steps.

Remember, an effective defense against cyberthreats involves a combination of proactive protection, awareness, and the right tools. Safeguard your PlayStation with the best antivirus software to keep your gaming adventures fun and safe.

Online Protection With VPN Access and Identity Monitoring

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On McAfee's website

All-In-One

McAfee

Save $90 on a 2-year plan

• Inclusive antivirus, scam, and web protection with the added privacy of a VPN, identity monitoring, and secure password manager
• Get a real-time Protection Score that measures your online safety and offers guidance to improve security
• Added peace of mind with 24/7 expert online support and McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge
• Multiple pop-ups for text notifications can be annoying

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.