PlayStation owners urged to make simple five-step check to keep accounts safe following Sony cyberattack claims

PLAYSTATION owners have been urged to make five simple checks to keep their accounts safe following an alleged cyberattack at Sony.

Earlier this week, Sony announced it was investigating allegations of a cyberattack in which hacker group RansomedVC claimed it had put its data up for sale.

In a note posted on RansomedVC's dark web site, hackers wrote: "We have successfully [compromised] all of Sony systems.

"We wont ransom them! We will sell the data. Due to Sony not wanting to pay."

In a statement on Monday, hackers stated that they would release information regardless of payment by September. 

The type of data stolen has not been revealed by the group, which is actually more of an extortion gang rather a ransomware operation, according to BeepingComputer.

In 2011, the PlayStation network was hacked, and the personal information and passwords of an estimated 70 million users were compromised. 

If the gang's claim is true, then it could have the personal information and password of millions of PlayStation owners.

Having this information out there can in turn put PlayStation users will be at risk of identity theft and financial fraud, according to cybersecurity experts at SecureTeam.

Experts have encouraged PlayStation owners to check five things to ensure their accounts are kept safe in the worst case scenario.

1. Change password

“If you own or use a PlayStation, we recommend changing your PlayStation Network (PSN) password immediately as a precaution," said experts.

"Make sure to use a strong and unique password that uses a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols."

If you use the same password for other accounts, you must change those too.

";Consider using a password generator, such as LastPass," experts added.

"This is a free tool which is accessible on Google."

2. Two-factor authentication 

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires you to have two forms of identification to access resources and data on your PSN account.

This makes it much harder for hackers to break into accounts, and has been adopted by nearly all companies, including Sony, Microsoft, Google and Meta.

By doing this, a one-time code is sent to your phone or email that is necessary to log in from an unfamiliar device. 

3. Monitor accounts

It's wise to keep a close eye on your Sony accounts to make sure nothing fishy is going on.

“We recommend setting up alerts to remind you to do this," experts said.

"If you notice any suspicious activity, get in touch with both your bank and Sony immediately to report it.” 

4. Contact Sony support 

If you think your account has been compromised, contact Sony's customer support immediately.

SecureTeam experts recommended phoning them first, and then emailing them to log any contact.

5. Keep up with updates

“Make sure to keep track of reputable media coverage and check for updates from Sony," experts urged.

"These updates might come in the form of a press release or a statement on the company website or social media profile.

"They will likely detail next steps to take.” 

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