PlayStation Hack Warning Issued, 2FA Won't Protect Your PSN Account

Sony PlayStation accounts are being hacked, and in some cases - even with a 2FA security layer - PSN accounts are still vulnerable.

As great as the digital age can be with the ease of online shopping, instant access to video games and movies, and chatting with people on the other side of the world via social media, it has some major negatives.

Perhaps the biggest negative of the modern digital age is accounts being hacked, whether it's on video game platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Even if it hasn't happened to us, there’s a good chance that we’ve encountered a friend's Facebook or Instagram account being hacked.

To put it mildly, it’s a pain in the backside and even with extra security measures such as two-factor verification, passkeys and random password generators, hackers can still access our accounts if they have the means.

While not ideal in any shape or form, sometimes we’re able to recover those hacked accounts, but that still doesn't mean that the hacker won't return. In the worst-case scenarios, not only could we lose that account forever, but hackers may even gain access to personal details and payment cards.

As brought to our attention by PlayStation Lifestyle, someone had illegally accessed a PlayStation Network account that was hacked despite using a two-step authenticator (2FA) and a passkey. Worst still, it seems that the hacker was able to access the PSN account with considerable ease, and even when Sony recovered the account, the hacker gained access for a second time.

PlayStation Network, NurPhoto (via Getting Images)

How Did They Hack the PSN Account?

The account was accessed not only by having the associated account name but by using a PSN transaction number that the account holder shared on social media in 2023, which was enough for Sony to allow this to happen.

What’s more, local reports claim Sony accepted the last digits of a payment card as proof of ownership, something the business hasn't commented on at this stage.

Once the hacker accessed the PSN account, they were able to change the associated email address and password. To make matters worse, they also spent money on the account using the payment cards attached.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, hackers can still access our accounts.

In relation to the PSN, do not share personal information online (such as transaction details), ensure that extra security messages are updated and remember to change your password regularly.

Hackers are more than likely to attempt account access during the very early hours of the morning, hoping that you’re asleep.

So please, stay extra vigilant, especially over Christmas.

Hopefully, Sony will react accordingly to these cases and not make it so easy for hackers to access our accounts by providing minor information as proof.