The PlayStation Network is far from being secure, and nothing showed that more than the infamous hack that left the service offline for weeks and exposed 70 million passwords. It’s been a little better since, but many people still seem to be on the receiving end of PlayStation Network hacks – with their accounts going compromised
Sony’s now putting more control in your hands. We told you before that there were plans to implement a two-factor authentication system to the PlayStation Network – and now it’s here. As an opt-in, users can now enjoy the benefits of better system security. You’re safe, even if your password does end up being compromised.
“Passwords can be compromised if you use the same password for multiple accounts, click on malicious links, open phishing emails and other methods,” says Sony. “If your password is compromised and becomes known to someone other than yourself, your account will still require a verification code to gain access when you activate 2-Step Verification.”
Like most other two factor systems, you’ll need to sign in using your password alongside a mobile verification code that gets sent to your phone. Thankfully, you won’t need to do this every time yu switch your PS4 on, so it shouldn’t be too bothersome. Here’s when you’ll need to sign in using two step verification:
You need to sign-in with 2SV:
- When you first sign-in to PSN after enabling 2SV.
- When you sign-in to PSN after signing-out.
- Every time you sign-in to PSN if auto sign-in is switched off.
- Occasional security checks when signing-in on web browser/PS App.
You do not need to sign-in with 2SV if:
- 2SV is switched off.
- Automatic sign-in is enabled and you have previously signed-in with 2SV.
- If you are signed-into PSN and you are accessing account management (you only need your account password).
- If Password at Checkout is switched on and you are making a PlayStation Store purchase (you only need your account password).
Once again, it’s n opt-in system, and should greatly help you avoid having your account hijacked.
Last Updated: August 25, 2016
Guild
August 25, 2016 at 13:11
Tried to activate 3 times on my account and I just get an error after putting in the code I received on my phone. So guess it’ll just remain inactive for me
Ir0nseraph
August 25, 2016 at 13:14
I will try this once home, I just wonder how this will affect my digital buddy :).
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
August 25, 2016 at 13:16
Indeed O_o
Ir0nseraph
August 25, 2016 at 13:21
Well it has been done, so let’s see I just left the option off of logging out of existing devices so we should only need it when we browse for games.
Nikola
August 25, 2016 at 13:36
Screw him, he has leached off you enough;)
Ir0nseraph
August 25, 2016 at 13:46
XD
I still need to finish games on his list first which could take a couple of years, my backlog is huge now.
And now we can call Hammer a lot of things but a leech he ain’t.
The Order of the Banana
August 25, 2016 at 13:12
But what if my phone gets stolen, my account hacked and I get kidnapped by Boko Haram (while travelling through Nigeria in search of Prince Whatchamacallit who offered to give me 90% of his fortune in exchange for helping him transfer money out of Nigeria)?
WHAT THEN SONY? HOW WILL YOU PROTECT MY PSN ACCOUNT THEN?
Ir0nseraph
August 25, 2016 at 13:12
XD
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 25, 2016 at 13:41
They won’t, Jim. But if you had an Xbox you’d be protected by Clippy!
The Order of the Banana
August 25, 2016 at 14:02
It would also be impossible to kidnap me – the boner is massive!!!
Allykhat
August 25, 2016 at 13:37
I switched it on as soon as I saw the thread of /r/PS4…
My account was compromised a few months back and some tool was kicking me out of my own console while I was playing. Deactivated all my devices and stuff too… Been waiting for this for a long time
Original Heretic
August 25, 2016 at 13:45
Maybe this was why I couldn’t run any game updates last night. So annoying.
Pieter Kruger
August 25, 2016 at 15:17
But how would this help prevent Sony themselves getting hacked again…..and again….??