**I'm Finally Securing My Old Accounts - Thanks, Suspicious Emails**
As a self-proclaimed gamer and stress-reliever enthusiast, I've been glued to my console since I was old enough to walk. But when someone tried to take that away from me, I realized I wasn't as security-conscious as I thought.
It started with strange two-factor authentication (2FA) requests on my oldest gaming accounts. At first, I dismissed them as phishing attempts or maybe even my nieces playing a prank on me (they've been known to use my Premium subscription for Brawlhalla and other games in the past). But when I got more emails, it clicked - someone was trying to take over my accounts.
The intruder had managed to change my EA account address to theirs and even showed me a new, unfamiliar one on the platform. This sent a chill down my spine as I realized that losing these accounts wasn't an option. They contained years of game history, dating back to 2014, including cloud backups and linked virtual credit cards.
The next 48 hours became a scramble to recover my accounts. Luckily, the intruder was slow, giving me enough time to trigger password and email resets, change 2FA methods with passkeys, and unblock email alerts. EA's recovery process was surprisingly easy, but PlayStation required more steps, while Ubisoft has been a headache - its verification system barely works, and linking alternate accounts proved useless.
But this experience wasn't just about recovering my accounts; it made me realize how lax I'd become with security. As someone who advocates for authentication apps over SMS, I was shocked to find that many of my old profiles had little to no protection at all.
**6 Myths About Two-Factor Authentication That Could Get You Hacked**
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial security feature, but many people misunderstand its purpose and how it works. Here are 6 common myths:
* **Myth 1:** "I've set up 2FA once, so I'm good to go." 2FA only works best if your recovery channels are also secured. * **Myth 2:** "Using an authentication app is more secure than SMS." While apps are generally more secure, SMS can still be a reliable option - as long as you have a secure phone number and keep it up-to-date.
**How I Battled for My Accounts**
After the initial shock, I dove into every account I could remember since the hack. I downloaded PrivacyHawk to scan my email for connected accounts and was horrified to find over 198 accounts with my personal details. The unwanted profiles included a Sporcle quiz account, old Tumblr profile, and even one for DoorDash - a service I don't use in my region!
**5 Reasons Why I Stopped Using "Sign in with Google"**
Signing in with Google can be convenient, but it's not without its risks. Here are 5 reasons why I've moved away from this feature:
* **Convenience vs Security:** Signing in with Google may make your life easier, but it also increases the attack surface. * **Data Sharing:** By signing in with Google, you're allowing third-party apps to access your data - which can lead to security breaches and unauthorized sharing.
**Internet Security Isn't a Passive Matter**
Security isn't something you set up once and forget. It requires ongoing effort and attention to stay safe online. I've taken the following steps to strengthen my accounts:
* **Strengthening Google Account Password:** I've updated my password and revoked every device session. * **Keeping Manual Records:** I'm no longer relying on saved passwords, but instead keeping manual records of my login credentials.
**Your Internet Identity is Your Responsibility**
Don't assume that security features like 2FA will protect you from all threats. They only work best if your recovery channels are also secured. Regularly review and update your accounts to prevent someone else finding and exploiting any gaps first.
This article highlights the importance of being proactive about account security, even for those who consider themselves experienced in the field.