PlayStation Network accounts gain 2-step verification

Sony has launched a new security feature designed to make it easier for you to keep your PlayStation account secure and under your control. The new feature is 2-step verification and launched last night to bring more security to fans of the PSN. If you don't want to use 2-step verification, you don't have to activate the new feature.

Sony says that passwords can be compromised, especially if you use the same password for multiple accounts. Other security issues can arise from malicious links, phishing emails, and other methods meant to compromise passwords. If this happens and you have 2-step verification turned on, your PlayStation Network account will still be secure.

The 2-step tech secures your account by sending you a verification code that you will receive on your mobile device via text. That code must be entered into your account to gain access. That means that a hacker who doesn't have your phone would be unable to gain access to your account even if they had the password.

You can force a sign-out of all devices when you activate 2-step verification. Once activated, you will be asked for the account password and sign-in email, when you sign in on other devices you will need the sign-in ID and a device setup password. You can use a 2-step verification auto sign-in feature. The new feature was announced via Twitter last night. Sony confirmed that it would be adding this feature back in April of this year. This will help Sony to prevent the type of massive hack that occurred in 2011 that left user accounts accessible by third parties. Two-step verification is a bit of a pain for some users, but many are likely to use the new feature.

SOURCE: PlayStation