With everything going around, a wave of unauthorized accounts access is the last thing we ever want to har. Unfortunately, it is true some Nintendo users are forced to deal with it. Pixelpar founder of Nintendo fan site LootPots, in a tweet, said he had his account compromised.
I suspect Nintendo may have had a major security breach. My account was accessed numerous times overnight.
My password is a unique string and my PC is definitely clean (not that I ever login via it).
Lots of similar reports on Reddit/twitter.
Unlink PayPal & enable 2FA folks!
— Pixelpar (@pixelpar) April 19, 2020
He is not the only one reporting an issue. A threat to ResetEra has people reporting this issue. Further, people from different places are also reporting the same issue via social media posts and tweets. It looks like it is a widespread issue now. Moreover, users who have accounts linked with PayPal, reported their funds are being accessed to buy Fortnite’s VBuvk currency.
To all my Nintendo Switch owning friends, my Nintendo Account was hacked this morning and they made off with $100 for Fortnite crap. So I’m about to tell you what to do to stop it from happening to you, and what to do if it does.
— Terran Sherwood (@TerranSherwood) April 4, 2020
When asked from Nintendo, they had nothing to say. But it seems they had an idea, that’s why on April 9th before people could know their accounts have been compromised both the US and European Nintendo Twitter officials tweeted about 2 step verification.
Help protect your Nintendo Account by enabling two-factor authentication.
Go here for more details: https://t.co/4CtboIORII— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) April 9, 2020
Nintendo America
You can help secure your Nintendo Account by enabling 2-Step Verification.
For more details, visit: https://t.co/kqxbp8TobD pic.twitter.com/hZ1PnFWZQw
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 9, 2020
Since there was no sense of urgency Nintendo users overlooked it. But now things have changed therefore we will need to enable two-step verification.
How to enable two-step verification on Nintendo Switch Account
To secure your Nintendo account here’s how you can set up two-factor authentications.
1. Visit https://accounts.nintendo.com/ or can simply log in to your Nintendo Account.
2. Click Sign-in and security settings and look for 2-Step Verification > Edit
3. You will now be under 2-Step Verification settings.
4. To get the code on the email address click Send an email. However, if the email address added to the account is incorrect, click User Info > Email address, and change it from here.
5. Enter verification code > Submit
6. Once done, you will need to install the Google Authenticator app.
7. Launch Google Authenticator app and scan the QR code displayed on your Nintendo Account.
8. This will give you a 6-digit authentication code. Enter the verification code into the field under step 3 on the Nintendo Account screen > Submit.
9. This will pull up a list of backup codes. Copy then and save somewhere safe.
These codes will help login to the Nintendo account when you don’t have an internet connection.
10. Click I have saved the backup code > Ok.
You are all set, now you can securely use your Nintendo Switch Account with 2-factor authentication.
This 2FA might seem a bit of work but it is completely worth it. If by adding a certain code you can secure your account from hackers then there is nothing wrong. It is a good trade-off.
We think it’s worth it, do you think the same? Share your thoughts with us.
NEXT READ: Nintendo Switch Online: All You Need To Know
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