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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.
How to recover a hacked PlayStation account
Signs your PSN account has been hacked
10 tips to protect against hackers
FAQs
Bottom line
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.
8. Run an antivirus scan
If you're gaming on your desktop computer, you should run a full antivirus scan to catch any malware. You could've accidentally downloaded a malicious file or clicked a bad link, allowing hackers to access your computer. You should take immediate steps to remove the malware from your device.
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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
- First, try logging into your PlayStation account from your console. If your password has been changed, select the Forgot Password option.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Visit the official PSN website and attempt to log in to your account. Select the Reset Password option.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 protect against 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:
- Make sure to log out from any public device or network you may use to access your PlayStation account to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep your account details within your household and never share them online, even with friends.
- 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.
- When in doubt, don’t click. Whether in emails, messages, or on websites, clicking on dubious links can compromise your account security.
- Never disclose sensitive account details, even in seemingly innocuous online forums or social networks.
- 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.
- Create complex passwords that are hard to guess, and use a different password for each online account you have.
- Keeping your gaming console and any device you use to access your PlayStation account updated ensures you have the latest security patches.
- Regularly check your account for any signs of unauthorized access, such as unfamiliar transactions or messages.
- 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. Norton 360 and Bitdefender are two of the most popular antivirus solutions gamers rely on to secure their PSN accounts. Here's why.
- 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.
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- 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.
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FAQs
What Happens if Your PlayStation Account Gets Hacked?
If your PlayStation account gets hacked, the attacker may make unauthorized purchases, change your account details, or use your account to commit fraud. You may also lose access to your account, games, and any associated digital items or subscriptions.
Can You See if Someone Logged Into Your PlayStation Account?
You can check the Devices section under your account settings on the PlayStation website to see if someone else has logged into your PlayStation account. This area shows all devices currently logged into your account and any recent activity.
How to Stop Someone from Logging Into Your PS4 Account on Another PS4?
To stop someone from logging into your account on another PS4, change your account password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Also, review your device list and remotely log out of any unrecognized devices through your account settings.
How Do I Contact PlayStation Support?
PlayStation support can be contacted through its official website. Navigate to the Help section, where you'll find various support options, including live chat, a phone number to call (1-800-345-7669), or a contact form to submit your inquiry or report an issue.
On a PC, click on PlayStation Support to access the support hub.
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.