Protect Your Gaming Life: Security Tips for 2025
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How to Have a More Secure Gaming Life in 2025
Gaming is more exciting than ever, but with great fun comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to keeping your accounts safe. Hackers are always looking for ways to steal gaming accounts, payment information, and personal data. Thankfully, protecting yourself in 2025 is easier than you might think. Let’s go over how to secure your gaming life step by step.
Enable Passkeys for Safer Logins
Passwords are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Passkeys are a much more secure way to log in—they’re fast, easy, and nearly impossible to hack. Here’s how to set them up on popular platforms:
Nintendo
Log In to Your Nintendo Account: Open a web browser and navigate to the Nintendo Account page (accounts.nintendo.com). Enter your login credentials.
Go to Security Settings: Once logged in, find the Settings or Account Security tab.
Locate Passkeys Option: Under the security settings, look for the section labeled Passkeys or Passwordless Sign-In.
Link Your Device: Follow the prompts to link a trusted device, such as your smartphone or computer, to your Nintendo account.
Set Up Passkeys: Once the device is linked, activate passkeys by scanning a QR code or following additional instructions to complete the setup.
Test the Passkey Login: Log out and attempt to log back in using the Passkey option to ensure it works properly.
Xbox
Open the Microsoft Account Security Page: Log in to your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/security.
Navigate to Advanced Security Options: Click on "Advanced Security Options" to manage your sign-in preferences.
Enable Passkeys: Look for the passkeys setup option and follow the prompts to add a trusted device or enable passwordless sign-in.
Verify Your Setup: Test the new passkey sign-in option on your Xbox console or through the Xbox app to ensure it works smoothly.
PlayStation
Log In to Your PlayStation Network (PSN) Account: Visit the PSN website or open the PlayStation app and log in with your credentials.
Access Security Settings: Navigate to the account settings menu and select "Security Settings."
Enable Passkeys: Look for the option to enable Passkeys or passwordless sign-in. Follow the prompts to link a trusted device, like your smartphone.
Pair with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To add security, enable 2FA by linking your account to an authenticator app or phone number.
Test the Setup: Log out and log back in using the passkey option to confirm everything is working correctly.
Steam
Log In to Your Steam Account: Open the Steam client or visit the Steam website and sign in with your credentials.
Access Account Security Settings: In the Steam client, go to "Settings," then navigate to "Account" and select "Manage Steam Guard."
Enable Steam Guard: Click the option to enable Steam Guard. For added security, you can choose to receive codes via email or set up the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator app.
Test Steam Guard: Log out and attempt to log back in. Steam will prompt you to enter a code sent to your email or the authenticator app to verify that Steam Guard is active.
Other Platforms: Many stores, such as Epic Games and GOG, now support passkeys. Check their settings to get started.
Safer Ways to Pay for Games
Storing your credit card on gaming accounts might be convenient, but it also puts you at risk. Instead, try to use secure payment methods like Apple Pay. These services use tokenized transactions, which means your actual card information is never shared with the platform. The only platform that supports buying content with Apple Pay is the PlayStation App on iOS and iPadOS.
After making your purchase, remove any saved payment methods from your account. Or buy gift cards instead for a safer way to fund your gaming purchases. This way, even if someone gains access to your account, they won’t be able to use your card.
Best Practices for Gaming Security
Here are some simple steps you can take to stay safe:
Use Strong Passwords or Passkeys: If you’re still using passwords, make sure they’re long and unique. Better yet, switch to passkeys.
Avoid Suspicious Links: Hackers often use fake links to steal your login details. Never click on links from unknown sources.
Monitor Your Accounts: Use tools like “Have I Been Pwned” to check if your email or accounts have been compromised.
Secure Your Devices: Keep your console, PC, or mobile device updated. Updates often include important security fixes.
Use a VPN: A VPN can hide your IP address and protect your data while gaming online.
Extra Tips for Peace of Mind
Back-Up Your Game Saves: Use cloud storage or external drives to keep your progress safe.
Don’t Share Your Login Details: It’s best to keep your accounts private, even with friends or family.
Sign Out of Shared Devices: Always log out if you’ve used a friend’s console or a shared PC.
Set Parental Controls: If younger gamers are using your account, restrict purchases and access to certain features.
Your Gaming Life, Your Rules
By following these tips, you can enjoy gaming without worrying about account theft or data leaks. From setting up passkeys to using secure payment methods, you have the tools to stay one step ahead of hackers.
What’s the first change you’ll make to protect your gaming accounts in 2025?