AHQ Archive Oct 2023: Protecting your gaming account(s)

This week we'll learn more about how to secure your gaming accounts. Your EA account can be linked to many different accounts (such as Discord, Amazon, Xbox, etc.). It is crucial to secure all of your accounts and use all the tools provided to achieve the highest level of security. Securing all your accounts and utilizing the provided tools to achieve optimal security is absolutely necessary. Let's start by addressing the fundamental aspects.

There are also some DON'Ts you need to follow.

• Don't reuse your password.
• Don't use the same password on two or more platforms.
• Never reveal your password to anyone.
• Don't type your password into public computers.
• Don't use your personal or public information (such as your ID) in passwords.
• Avoid keeping your password in a physical form near your workspace, like on a sticky note or any easily accessible location.

And “DO”s you have to remember.

• Change your password periodically.
• Be suspicious of pages asking for logins, passwords, or your personal information.
• Log off from your gaming client and PC when you are done gaming.
• Delete all information that contains details about your password (emails, files on PC, or in cloud storage).

Create a strong, unique password.

Having a complicated password is the first line of defense. Upon creating your EA account, your password must be at least 8 characters long. If you choose to keep your password this short, ensure that it is very complicated. Alternatively, consider adding an additional 4 characters to make it 12 characters long. Adding a few digits, letters, or special characters significantly improves the uniqueness of your password.

Of course, mixing numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters, and special characters can be a bit challenging to our memory at the beginning. However, you can develop a system to help you remember even the most complicated password. For example, take a phrase from a game, book, or movie and create an acronym from it. Ensure that your acronym consists of at least 8 letters, and the letters are not duplicating next to each other (like aabbccdd). The next step is to mix uppercase and lowercase characters, along with numbers and special characters. After you've finished, check the strength of your password at https://passwordmeter.com/.

Aim for a score of 90-100%. 

Set up EA Login Verification for extra protection on certain EA services.

 EA Login Verification provides an extra layer of security and can help prevent anyone other than you from gaining access to your EA Account.

You will learn how to set up Login Verification here.

How does it work?

Whenever you attempt to access your account information or log in to select EA games and services from a new device, you'll be asked for a verification code.

There are various ways to obtain the authentication code. We can send the codes to you via email or text message. The quickest way to get your code is by using the app authenticator.

The most important part is to write down your backup codes once you've set up Login Verification.

Why?

Imagine you've lost your phone or access to your email. Having the codes written down in a safe place can help you regain access to your EA account or make changes to the account.

If you decide to write them down on a piece of paper, make sure to hide it securely. You can also include some misleading information in the note with your code. In case anyone gains access to your backup codes, they won't be able to link them to your EA account.

If you choose to write them down as a file on your PC, it's important to have a secure location on your PC. For example, you can create a Word file and protect it with a password – you'll find an article here.

Use Trusted Devices

Once you have enabled Login Verification, whenever you mark "remember this device" upon logging in, the device will be considered trusted.

Every time you log in, the device will be saved in your list of trusted devices. You can review this list by accessing your security settings menu.

Create a habit of checking this list once in a while and reviewing any suspicious activity.

In case your account gets hacked, you can remove any trusted device from the list that you do not recognize and haven't logged into yourself.

Types of trusted devices and how to secure them:

• Mobile devices - use passcodes and lock your screens when you aren't using them.
• PC and Mac - use a strong password for your computer.
• Consoles - set up passwords for your console accounts to ensure you're the only one gaming on your profile. This is especially important if you share your console with other people.

Mind Where You Play

We have covered Login Verification and Trusted devices. We understand that on some occasions, you might want to play on a device you do not own.

For example, you may be visiting your friend and want to show them how skilled you are on the skating rink in NHL 24. In scenarios like this, after you are done playing, remember to delete your profile from the console. This won't affect your PlayStation or Xbox account when you return home.

Another scenario that could put your account at risk is when you log into your EA Account to play a game in an internet café or another location where many people are using the same device. Be aware that other people could have installed software on that device without your knowledge. This could range from keyloggers that compromise your account security to cheat software that might lead to you being banned or suspended from your game. When you log into your EA Account from a device like this, you are playing at your own risk.

If you are logging into your account via a browser, ensure that information about your account is not saved in the browser.

Lastly, be mindful of "shoulder surfing." Whenever you are about to enter your credentials in a public space, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder.

Add a Secondary Email to Your EA Account

Another layer of protection is to add a secondary email address to your EA account. In case you lose access to your email account and can't regain access to your EA account, a secondary email address will help you reset your password.

How to add a secondary email address? It's simple:

• Find the Secondary Email section in your EA Account Security tab.
• Click "Add Secondary Email."
• Enter an email address different from the one registered to your EA Account.
• Log in to that email address and locate the security code email sent by EA.
• Enter your security code in the EA Account settings verification window.

Don't Share Your Info With Anyone.

Seriously, no one needs to know your password.

By sharing your password, you are putting your account at risk. You might trust the person you are sharing your credentials with, but they could also be hacked or have their information stolen.

By ensuring that you are the only person who knows your password and login details, you are keeping your account secure.