Keeping the Joy Secure: A Parent's Guide to Safeguarding Kids and Gaming Platforms This Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, gaming systems emerge as popular gifts, fostering cherished memories of family gatherings and epic Nintendo Monopoly marathons. Beyond personal enjoyment, gaming platforms have become common gifts for friends and employees alike. However, amid the festive excitement, it's crucial to recognize that these gaming consoles, just like office computers, require a dose of cyber tender loving care (TLC) to ensure a safe and secure experience. 

Gaming platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation, are not immune to cyber threats, and without proper safeguards, they can become vulnerable to various risks, such as identity theft, financial losses, and privacy breaches. Although gaming companies invest heavily in security, notable breaches have occurred in the past, underscoring the need for individual users to take proactive steps to protect their consoles. 

Notable Gaming Platform Hacks: 

  • PlayStation Network (PSN) Hack (2011): In 2011, the PlayStation Network, Sony's online gaming and media service, fell victim to a massive security breach, compromising the personal information of approximately 77 million users. This breach emphasized the importance of robust online security measures. 

  • Xbox Live Outage (2014): Lizard Squad, a hacker group, executed distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network during the holiday season in 2014. While personal information wasn't stolen, the incident highlighted the susceptibility of gaming networks to coordinated cyber-attacks. 

  • Epic Games Store Data Breach (2019): In 2019, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, experienced a security breach exposing personal information of users. Although financial data remained secure, the incident underscored the significance of securing user data in the era of digital distribution platforms. 

Tips to Safeguard Your Gaming Console: 

For Both Xbox and PlayStation: 

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA, available on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. 

  • Regularly Update Your Password: Use strong, unique passwords for gaming accounts and update them regularly. 

  • Beware of Phishing Attempts: Exercise caution with suspicious emails, messages, or links; official communications won't request passwords via email. 

  • Limit Personal Information: Avoid unnecessary sharing of personal details on gaming profiles. 

  • Check Privacy Settings: Customize privacy settings to control who can access your personal information. 

  • Monitor Account Activity: Regularly review account activity for any unauthorized transactions or changes. 

Specific to Xbox: 

  • Use Xbox Family Settings: Manage access and control content features, especially for shared consoles. 

  • Xbox Live Gold Sharing: Be cautious when sharing subscriptions; limit access to trusted individuals. 

Specific to PlayStation: 

  • Activate Family Management: Control access and set spending limits for younger users through Family Management. 

  • Review Application Permissions: Periodically manage app permissions and revoke access for suspicious or unused apps. 

  • Verify Purchases: Enhance financial security by requiring a password for each transaction. 

In addition to these measures, consider implementing a robust in-home firewall. For home use, the FortiGate 60F is what we recommend for in-home cyber security protection. If you’re more of a DIY, consider something like pfSense, an open source alternative. The latter will require more technical expertise, but you’ll learn a lot. Either way, ensure a layered defense approach for comprehensive gaming console protection. 

As the holiday season approaches, safeguard your gaming experience and that of your loved ones. By following these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your Xbox or PlayStation falling victim to cyber threats. Stay informed about the latest security features, maintain a proactive mindset, and enjoy a safe and secure gaming experience. 

For further assistance, reach out to your Virtual CISO™ or contact us at staysafeonline@trustedinternet.io. 

Make the holidays happier. Don’t get hacked. And don’t let your kids get hacked!