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EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - July

EA_Kuba's avatar
EA_Kuba
Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager
4 months ago

Welcome to the new edition of our newsletter!

We are excited to present the first edition of our newsletter on the new forum platform!🥳

Additionally, we have refreshed the appearance of our newsletter with new visuals 🌈, and re-branded our newsletter📛. In the future, we may expand the newsletter with new sections based on your feedback!

 
~How can this happen?

 
At the end of the newsletter, you will find a new section called the Feedback Hub. Here, you can share your observations, ask questions, or share your stories via the form. Two new sections would be:

  • Q&A: This section is for those who have long-awaited answers to their pressing questions but may now feel hesitant to ask. It’s also for questions about topics covered in previous editions. Questions must be related to the topic of the newsletters, and the answers to them may be included in future editions.
  • Community Spotlight: This section is for sharing inspiring experiences in the field of security.

Last month, thanks to the input from EA_Kalina, we focused on account security and explored the most important methods to prevent account takeovers. While this article provided information specific to your EA account, you can apply these guidelines to secure your other accounts as well. We hope you have followed all the instructions by now. If not, please do so as soon as possible.

This month, we will explore the important topic of communication, in-game and beyond.

As with every edition, each newsletter participant will receive a unique token of appreciation: a special badge on the forum.  

Now, without further ado, let's dive into this month's topic. 
... Oh, I nearly forgot if you want to host the next challenge, you'll find the right form at the end of this post!

Online Communication

Look after your privacy

Protect your privacy by reviewing and updating your privacy settings. Control what information is visible to other players or contacts you interact with. If too much personal information is visible on the internet, you might be vulnerable to spear phishing attacks. Spear phishing is a targeted attempt to steal your sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.

Keep your cool

Try not to send messages under the influence of strong emotions. Playing online can be very challenging when it comes to keep your emotions cool. However, when you're emotionally charged this can lead to unintended consequences. You might say something you regret, and it could get you into more trouble. Remember, everything you say or post on the Internet can persist for a long time. This includes private information unintentionally shared during an argument or inappropriate remarks.

Message with caution

It is a good habit to be distrustful of unexpected messages or messages from people we do not know. In the context of online games and gaming communities, it is easy to make new contacts and interact. However, during these conversations, do not provide your private information and always verify the identity of the person you are talking to by checking their profile or asking for additional information.

Report Inappropriate Content

We use real-time moderation technology to ensure that all text entered in our games complies with the Positive Play Charter. Additionally, our automated system filters all images uploaded by users, which is further supported by manual reviews from our team. Recently, we introduced a pilot voice reporting system in Battlefield 2042, allowing you to report inappropriate content from other users during gameplay. Your submissions are crucial in improving these tools and creating a safe, welcoming environment for our community. If you encounter inappropriate content in the game, please report it.

EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - July

 

Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter Feedback form (including Community Spotlight, and Q&A submissions)
Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - Challenge Creation Interest form

Updated 4 months ago
Version 3.0
  • A new phishing scam has emerged where hackers utilize Google Drawings and WhatsApp to orchestrate a three-step attack aimed at Amazon users. The attack begins with a phishing email containing a link that appears to be an Amazon account verification request. This link is actually a deceptive image hosted on Google Drawings. When clicked, it redirects the victim to a fraudulent WhatsApp URL shortened link, further disguising the malicious intent. The final destination is a fake Amazon login page designed to steal credentials. This innovative use of trusted platforms like Google Drawings and WhatsApp helps the attack evade standard security measures, making it particularly dangerous.

  • Imagine your computer is like a castle where you keep all your favorite toys and treasures safe. Now, imagine there are sneaky dragons around who want to steal your treasures! Upgrading your computer hardware is like building stronger walls and getting better locks for your castle, so the dragons can't get in.

    When you get a new part for your computer, like a faster brain (that’s the processor) or a bigger treasure chest (that’s the hard drive), it helps your computer protect your stuff better. Newer parts understand how to watch out for smarter dragons (these are the hackers) and can keep them away from your treasures (like your personal information and photos).

    Also, just like old locks might not stop the newest dragons, older computer parts might not protect against new tricks that hackers use. By upgrading your computer, you make sure it knows all the newest ways to keep your treasures safe from those sneaky dragons!

  • Figured it wouldn't hurt to copy over the comment I made on the AHQ version here. It might be helpful to others.

    Here are some of the things I usually do if I feel like I'm losing my temper:

    - Step away for a moment to remove myself from the situation.
    - Put the controller down for a moment and take some deep breaths.
    - Don't reply or interact with aggressive comments/voice-chats/messages.
    - Remind myself that there's little point in replying to someone trying to antagonise me and that some people "troll" by baiting others into swearing in a message and then reporting it.
    - Quit and play something else instead (usually a single-player game).
    - Play some cat-bongos.

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      Of course it wouldn't hurt ElliotLH 😊 We are in the middle of a transition phase between the two platforms, so it is completely understandable. This is also a great opportunity to point out how to report inappropriate behaviour on the EA forums. Same like you I will copy my response, changing the relevant link for reports on EA Forums. 

      Stepping away and taking deep breaths can really help reset your mindset and it is smart not to engage with aggressive comments too. In such cases it's better to leave such situation to us, and report it - we'll take it from there. 😉

      What's your go-to single-player game when you need a break?

      • ElliotLH's avatar
        ElliotLH
        Hero+

        Yes it's very exciting times with the launch of this new forum EA_Kuba - and as you said, a great opportunity for some helpful reminders 😃

        I'm mostly playing This War of Mine at the moment, but I also completed Still Wakes the Deep recently and that was fun too. How about you?

  • EA_Kuba Thank you for another great newsletter. Happy to see that it is has made it her as well. However it is not easy to find due to how the Forum works here and you have to actively search for it. There should be some way for it to be easier to find see so that it is highlighted for the whole community. There is so much info in these newsletters about cybersecurity that helps all.  

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      Thanks Asmodeus566 that's great feedback, I'll check on some other options in relation to visibility!

  • Off-topic but this newsletter is what got me here

    Is the "progress" from EA Answers HQ will carry over to here ? Badges, ranks .. etc

    Also is EA Answers HQ will be retired ? maybe turned to read-only archive ?

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      Hey N7_A_M_R_Egypt thanks for this question, it is somewhat related to the newsletter honestly 😊. 

      My guess is that the "progress" would carry over from AHQ, but I will get back to you to confirm 100%. 

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      Glad you found the information helpful! 😄If there is any particular topic you want us to cover in the future newsletter share them in the feedback form

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      I'm happy to hear that you like the new visuals! If you have any additional feedback you'd want to share use our feedback form! 😊

  • Thanks for the info; love the new look and feel of the newsletter!

    Heh, I think the most important takeaway, at least for the forum side of things, is to keep a cool head and not rage post; it makes the site so much nicer!

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      Thanks for the kind words! 😀

      Keeping a cool head playing online games, and during heated discussion on the forums might be a challenge, but it is making a big difference. If you have any tips on how to stay calm and collected during any of those, feel free to share them!  

    • EA_Kuba's avatar
      EA_Kuba
      Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager

      You're welcome! Feel free to share your tips and experiences related with online communication 😀