BullGuard advises users to change passwords / PlayStation, Xbox & Co. without antivirus software / shopping via game console not safely
The theft of around 77 million records from SONY's PlayStation network has shown that game consoles pose a security risk. PlayStation users should change their passwords as soon as possible and take other measures to limit the damage. The following applies not only to SONY customers: online shopping should rather be carried out using a PC or smartphone, as no console has virus protection so far.
It was worth it: names, e-mail addresses, passwords, dates of birth and perhaps even credit card details were able to be read by professional data thieves from SONY's PlayStation network. On the occasion of the event, BullGuard has three tips for PlayStation users for immediate damage limitation and also warns in principle against shopping via game consoles that are not protected by anti-virus software.
Three tips to limit damage
- Change PlayStation password: If the data thieves did not manage to steal credit card information from the SONY network, they could do so directly via the consoles. There you will also find other data that is definitely attractive for hackers, such as information on the network of friends of gamers.
- Change security questions: The security questions and their answers may also have been stolen. If you set a new password and do not change the security question, you should not feel safe yet.
- Change other passwords: If you use the same password for other accounts, you should also set new passwords there. The hackers have the names of the users and can very easily find other accounts such as e-mail or eBay accounts.
Purchase only through secured devices
Game consoles have long allowed their users to surf the Internet. This means that online shopping is also possible - but not recommended, as an antivirus program has not yet been run on any console. An infection of the devices with malware - for example through "drive-by infections" when visiting infected websites - cannot be ruled out. BullGuard recommends that you only make purchases using secured devices, i.e. PCs or smartphones that have virus protection. For security reasons, credit card details have not been lost on unsecured devices.
BullGuard advises users to change passwords / PlayStation, Xbox & Co. without antivirus software / shopping via game console not safely
BullGuard is a leading provider of security software, specializing in computer and mobile security solutions for end consumers and small businesses.
Source: Press Release
03.05.2011/XNUMX/XNUMX (mh)