Check your PS5 now - gamers warned to make 5 settings changes immediately

28 September 2023 , 12:29

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PS5 gamers face a potentially massive hacker threat

PS5 gamers are being urged to change their passwords and a number of other settings following an apparent cybersecurity attack on Sony. This week, hacker group Ransomed.vc claimed it had infiltrated 'every device' made by Sony and stolen the data of its customers, with plans to release this data by the end of September or sell it to the highest bidder.

Sony is yet to officially confirm the incident but says it is investigating the situation. If the hacker group are telling the truth and they've managed to access the data of millions of users, it could lead to identity theft and financial fraud.

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If the hackers go ahead with leaking this information, it could be devastating for millions of PlayStation gamers who have payment card details and passwords saved to their consoles.

The ransomware group 'Ransomed.vc' claims it has 'compromised all of Sony systems' in a blog post (Cybersecurity Connect)

Cybersecurity experts at SecureTeam have outlined the steps you should take to protect your data immediately:

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• Change your Playstation Network password straight away. If you use the same password on other accounts like email or social media, you should also change these to a stronger password with a range of numbers, letters, and symbols.
• Turn on two-factor authentication to ensure nobody can login to your Playstation account without your approval
• Monitor your bank accounts to ensure no dodgy or suspicious transactions go through
• Contact Sony support if you're worried your password is compromised and keep an eye on any statements from the company about the leak

Users of other Sony devices, such as Xperia smartphones or Bravia smart TVs, should also consider taking these steps just as a precaution.

The hacker group said in a statement on Monday: "We have successfully compromised all of Sony systems. We [won't] ransom them! We will sell the data [due] to Sony not wanting to pay. DATA IS FOR SALE."

In a statement, a Sony Group Corporation spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating the situation, and we have no further comment at this time."

Ciaran Daly