Millions of Steam Accounts Are at Risk of Phishing Scam
Steam, one of the biggest platforms in the world of gaming, has recently been hit with a data leak that could potentially put millions of its users' accounts at risk. The leak, which was discovered by Underdark AI on LinkedIn, is believed to have exposed phone numbers and expired one-time codes for two-factor authentication.
According to IT expert Christopher Kunz, the leaked information could be used for a phishing scam, but it is highly unlikely that any of this data could be used to take over an account otherwise. "This is interesting info for criminals who want to do a large-scale Steam phishing campaign, but it's hardly a reason to change your Steam password or otherwise panic," he stated.
However, it is still recommended that users change their Steam passwords and take advantage of two-factor authentication (2FA) or Valve's Steam Guard app, which allows players to protect their account from unauthorized access. It would be wise for other users to be more vigilant about phishing scams and double-check any sort of texts they may receive about accessing their Steam account, especially if it is not authorized by them.
Steam has stated that the leaked data did not associate phone numbers with a Steam account, password information, payment information, or other personal data. The company also reassured users that old text messages cannot be used to breach the security of their Steam accounts and that any SMS message changes will receive a confirmation via email and/or Steam secure messages.
Despite this, it is still essential for users to regularly check their Steam account security at any time at https://store.steampowered.com/account/authorizeddevices. Additionally, setting up the Steam Mobile Authenticator can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind for users who have not already done so.
Steam has long been renowned for its security, with a reputation for being one of the most trusted gaming platforms on PC due to its commitment to protecting users' information. However, even the most secure systems are not immune to breaches, and this incident serves as a reminder to always be vigilant about account security.
It's worth noting that Steam has a strong track record of recovering accounts quickly and mitigating damage after any potential hacks or breaches. The company's dedication to its users' safety and satisfaction is a significant factor in its popularity among PC gamers.