EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 1
We're starting the year with a few changes to adapt to the transfer to the new forums. You'll notice a slight change in the naming of the newsletter and the badges. The newsletter will now be released in volumes every month. As usual - you can still receive badges for participating in volumes 1-12. I want to dedicate this month's subject to my nephew, who inspired me by asking some questions that intrigue him a lot—he just got his first PC and has many questions. So, let's start with the basics and answer one of his many questions: How do you download games safely? Let's consider why this is so important. Before diving into the world of games, everyone needs to download them first—and there's a right and wrong way to do this first step. The right way is safe for both the user and their device. Knowing a few simple rules can help us avoid problems and enjoy games stress-free. Those rules are especially crucial for young gamers and inexperienced parents, as it's easy to stumble upon unsafe sources or harmful apps. But I believe that even more experienced users can refresh or even update the "database". I'll share some tips and real-life examples that might be helpful. Don't forget to check them out and talk with your daughters, sons, nephews, nieces, grandparents, and parents. Okay, let's say it in a simple way: It will benefit everybody. How do you download games and applications safely? Download only from trusted sources Always download apps and games from official stores, such as Google Play, the App Store, or the Microsoft Store. Unknown sources may offer infected files that can harm your device. Check reviews and ratings Before downloading a new app, it's a good idea to read other users' reviews and check ratings. Apps with lots of positive reviews are usually more trustworthy. Beware of app permissions Before you install a new app, check what permissions are required. If a flashlight app wants access to your contacts and messages, it may be suspicious. Keep your apps and operating system up to date. Use antivirus software Installing antivirus software on your device can help detect and remove malware. Beware of "Cracked" versions Downloading “cracked” versions of games and applications is illegal and very risky. Such files often contain viruses and other malware. By following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite apps and games without worry! Stay safe and have fun! How to turn on EA Login Verification Where can I find my backup codes? How to update your EA Account Positive Play Charter Report cheating, harassment, and illegal content How to avoid phishing Online Security Newsletter - Feedback Form Online Security Newsletter - Challange Creation Interest form Online Security Newsletter - Volume 1 QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 4
Hello everyone, Welcome to Issue #4, where we will cover the topic of secure online transactions. Before we dive into this month’s topic, let’s take a look back at last month’s topic—biometrics and passkeys. Both are essential security features that can make your online life more secure. Be sure to check out last month’s blog post [here]. 😊 This month, we will also explore EA's flagship anti-cheat software, EA Javelin. Whether the name rings a bell or it's new to you, head to the InfoHub section to learn more about its evolution. 💡 As always, whether you interact with this newsletter by sharing your experiences or testing your knowledge through our quiz, you’ll receive a token of participation, a unique forum badge that can only be obtained this way! Stay safe! Secure online transactions Stick to official stores and trusted sellers Avoid buying games from unverified sources. The best way to ensure authenticity is to purchase directly from the publisher’s website, which may sometimes redirect you to verified partners. For example, if you see a game being sold at an unusually low price on an unfamiliar website, it’s likely a scam or counterfeit product. Always prioritize trusted sources to avoid compromising your account or device. Buy game currency directly in the game or through trusted sellers Some games offer additional in-game currency. The safest way to obtain it is through the game itself. In some cases, you may also purchase currency from trusted sellers, but always verify their legitimacy. Be cautious of websites or sellers offering discounts on in-game currency that seem too good to be true. These could be phishing attempts or fraudulent transactions that put your account at risk. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) This is one of the most commonly recommended tips for online safety, and for good reason. If you haven’t set up TFA yet, do it now! It’s the best way to secure your account against various types of attacks. TFA works by requiring two forms of verification, such as a password and a code sent to your phone, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access to your account. To learn how to enable TFA on your EA account, check out this article. Use dedicated payment methods Whenever possible, use dedicated payment methods like PayPal, Google Pay, or similar services. These provide an additional layer of protection for your transactions. For instance, if your payment information is compromised, services like PayPal often offer buyer protection and dispute resolution, which can help safeguard your funds. Keep your system up to date Those annoying system update or antivirus pop-ups that appear on your screen from time to time—don’t ignore them. Keeping your systems up to date is one of the best ways to strengthen your security and protect against vulnerabilities. Updates often include patches for newly discovered security flaws, so delaying them could leave your system exposed to malware or hacking attempts. Be aware of social engineering Before clicking on any link, verify its authenticity! If a link looks suspicious, take a step back and find another way to access the site you’re looking for. For example, if you receive an email claiming to be from EA with a link to reset your password, always check the sender’s email address and navigate to the official EA website directly instead of clicking the link. Be cautious of fake support chats. EA support representatives will never contact you via PSN/Xbox chat or Discord. Buying EA games: order and payment info View your EA order history and status How to use Ultimate Team™ Coins and EA SPORTS FC™ Points safely Where to buy EA digital download games and virtual currency How to buy a game on EA.com | EA Help | YouTube What is EA Javelin Anticheat? EA Javelin Anticheat is EA’s advanced security system, launched in 2022, designed to prevent, detect, and block cheating across 14 EA titles, including Battlefield™, Madden NFL™, and EA SPORTS FC™. It reinforces fair play while balancing player privacy and system integrity. Why was the name "Javelin" chosen? The name symbolizes defense, strength, and agility, reflecting the mission to protect fair play and uphold the integrity of EA’s gaming experiences. How effective has EA Javelin Anticheat been so far? Since launch, it has supported over 28 million PC players across 2.2 billion gaming sessions, maintaining an impressive accuracy rate of over 99% in preventing cheating attempts. Recent improvements cut Battlefield 2042’s Match Infection Rate (how often regular players encounter cheaters) by about 50%. Why does EA Javelin use kernel-level protection? Kernel-level access is necessary to detect sophisticated cheats operating deep within the system. EA Javelin only runs when EA games are active and respects player privacy, validated by internal and third-party assessments. What are EA’s future plans for anticheat and security? We will continue to invest in new tools, technologies, and robust security measures to stay ahead of threats and ensure that player experiences remain safe, fair, and fun Want to know more and read full articles? Introducing EA Javelin Anticheat Fighting for Fairness: Anti-Cheat Progress Report Online Security Newsletter - Feedback Form Online Security Newsletter - Challange Creation Interest form Online Security Newsletter - Volume 4 QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 3
Hello everyone, 👋 Welcome to Volume 3 of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter!🎉 Number 3 is special in the cybersecurity field, so we can treat this edition as quite special. Why is the number 3 special, you ask? There are many different approaches in cybersecurity that address fundamental aspects. Make your own research and let us know your findings!🧐 Speaking of fundamentals, last month we covered the basics of online safety. It’s a reminder not to overlook the most crucial aspects of your online life! If you missed Volume 2 or need a refresher, the link is here. This month we’ll cover the interesting topics of biometrics, passkeys, and the passwordless approach to online safety. As always, by interacting with the newsletter through participating in the quiz or sharing your experiences in the comments, you’ll receive a unique forum badge! Stay safe! What is biometrics? Biometric authentication uses your biological traits—fingerprint, face, or voice—to verify your identity. OK, and passkeys? Passkeys are cryptographic keys stored on your device, removing the need for traditional passwords entirely. Why should I care? Both biometrics and passkeys provide a seamless and secure way to log in, eliminating weak passwords susceptible to cracking, phishing risks, and brute force attacks. What are other benefits of biometrics and passkeys? First, there is no need to type your password anymore, nor use additional TFA. Another significant benefit is hardened phishing resistance. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they can't steal your fingerprint. Additionally, biometric data can't be guessed or cracked through brute force attacks. Alright, but what if someone gets my device? Biometric data is encrypted and stored securely on your device, not in a central database. Even if a hacker accesses your device, they won’t be able to extract your biometric information. Does my device keep a record of my fingerprint? Your device keeps a biometric value of your fingerprint, face, or voice, which is then encrypted. Your device does not store your actual fingerprint or photo of your face (apart from your photo reel). FIDO Alliance - industry standards for passwordless authentication NIST - Biometric security Electronic Frontier Foundation - Digital privacy Online Security Newsletter - Feedback Form Online Security Newsletter - Challange Creation Interest form Online Security Newsletter - Volume 3 Quiz
EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 2
Hey everyone, welcome to the second edition of our newsletter dedicated to online safety for gamers. Last month, we examined security measures designed to protect us from malicious programs that can appear when we are not careful when using our phones, tablets, and computers. We also looked at this topic from the perspective of protecting the youngest from the dangers lurking online. If you have not yet had time to read the previous edition, you can find the link here. In this edition, we want to remind you of the basic rules of security for your online account, which you use for games and more! As always, for participating in the newsletter, whether by sharing your experiences with us or by completing the quiz, you will receive a participation token - a unique badge on the forum. Stay safe! Basic rules of security for your online account. Strong, Unique Passwords Think of your password as the key to your digital vault. A strong password is long, complex, and unique. It should mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Use hard-to-guess information instead of common choices such as "123456" or "password," and avoid words that are easy to guess, such as birthdays and names like "Daniel93." However, remembering numerous complex passwords can be daunting. You can store your passwords securely, and they'll fill in automatically with password managers. Using them, you can generate strong passwords and prevent using the same password twice. Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. Google Authenticator is a popular choice that generates time-based codes, ensuring only you can access your accounts. Google Authenticator and other apps now support seamless device integration and offer biometric options, making 2FA quicker and more secure. Guarding Against Phishing Phishing is a deceptive attempt to steal your data. Always verify the sender's email address and look for typos, grammatical errors, or suspicious links. Use multi-factor authentication for extra security. Keep software updated and employ strong, unique passwords. Be cautious with attachments and never share personal information. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is. Securing Your Email Your email is a gateway to many of your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication for your email, and regularly review your account activity. Use encryption tools for sensitive communications and be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information. Many companies partner to ensure the highest level of security. You can read about EA's cooperation with Google in our news section "Keeping your EA account safe by working with others." This partnership addresses cases where email accounts tied to EA Accounts were compromised, allowing attackers to take over the EA Account and other valuable internet accounts connected to that email. EA has been working closely with Google to address this quickly and safely through their Cross-Account Protection program. Google shared more about this partnership in a recent post here! How to turn on EA Login Verification Where can I find my backup codes? How to update your EA Account Positive Play Charter Report cheating, harassment, and illegal content How to avoid phishing Online Security Newsletter - Feedback Form Online Security Newsletter - Challange Creation Interest form Online Security Newsletter - Volume 2 QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 6
Before we begin this issue’s regular sections, we want to thank everyone who participated in the discussion in the previous edition. Your shared experiences and kind words of appreciation mean a lot to us. 🥰 In this issue, we’ll again examine phishing methods from a psychological perspective, exploring why they are so effective and how we can better protect ourselves. Phishing isn't just about dodgy links; it's about exploiting fundamental human tendencies. Scammers are master manipulators, playing on our emotions, our desire for efficiency, and even our inherent trust. When you understand the psychological levers they pull, you gain a powerful advantage in spotting and avoiding their traps. 🤓 If you missed the previous edition, you can find it [here]. As always, joining the discussion or solving the quiz will earn you a token of participation in the form of a unique badge on the forum. 🤠 Stay safe! The Psychology of Phishing The Lure of Urgency and Scarcity, aka Fear of Missing Out Phishers often create a sense of immediate crisis or limited-time opportunity (e.g., "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours!" or "Exclusive limited-time skin unlock!"). This triggers our primal fight-or-flight response, bypassing rational thought and pushing us to act without deliberation. The fear of loss (of access, of a rare item) is a powerful motivator. When you feel a sudden surge of urgency or excitement from an unexpected message, stop and take a deep breath. A legitimate service will rarely demand immediate action without prior warning. Verify independently through official channels, not by clicking links in the suspicious message. Authority Bias Humans are conditioned to respect and obey authority figures. Phishers expertly mimic legitimate sources like game developers, platform support, or even government agencies. The use of familiar logos, official-sounding language, and seemingly authentic sender addresses exploits our tendency to trust perceived authority without question. Never assume legitimacy based solely on appearance. Always cross-reference. If you receive an unexpected email from "EA Support," don't click a link in the email. Instead, open your browser and manually navigate to EA's official support website to log in or check your account. The "Intriguing Mystery" Phishing Our brains are wired to seek out novelty and resolve unknowns. Phishers exploit this by sending messages that pique our curiosity (e.g., "See who's talking about you!" or "Your private photo has been leaked!"). The desire to know, to uncover the "secret," overrides caution, leading us to click. Before clicking on anything that triggers intense curiosity, engage your critical thinking. Is this too good to be true? Does it make sense that I would receive this message? If it sounds sensational or unbelievable, it likely is. Reward Phishing We often feel a subconscious obligation to repay a favor or respond positively to someone who has given us something. Phishers leverage this by offering enticing "rewards," "freebies," or "exclusive access" (e.g., "Claim your free legendary loot box!"). The desire to accept the perceived gift can blind us to the underlying danger. While it's nice to receive gifts, be highly suspicious of unsolicited windfalls, especially those requiring you to click a link or provide personal information. Legitimate giveaways from reputable companies will always direct you to their official website or have a clear, secure claiming process. If you didn't enter a contest, you didn't win. The "Everyone is doing it" Phishing Humans are social creatures, and we often look to the actions of others to determine what is correct or safe. Phishers can create a false sense of social proof by impersonating friends, guildmates, or popular streamers, often sending messages like "Hey, check out this amazing new game!" or "I just got this awesome item using this link, you should too!" This can lead us to believe that if others are clicking, it must be safe. Even if a message appears to come from a trusted friend, consider the context and how they usually communicate. If it seems out of character, or if the link is suspicious, contact your friend through a separate, verified channel (e.g., a direct message on a platform you know is secure, or even a quick call) to confirm. Stay vigilant! Pause, verify, and think critically before clicking on unexpected links or acting on urgent messages—protect yourself from phishing scams! How to avoid phishing Online Security Newsletter - Feedback Form Online Security Newsletter - Challenge Creation Interest Form Online Security Newsletter - Volume 6 QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 5
Welcome to all our readers - whether you're a long-time subscriber or joining us for the first time—for the latest edition of our newsletter! This month, we invite you to engage in a conversation about security, our featured topic, and much more. Each edition is an opportunity to share your security tips, experiences, or insights with us. In last month’s edition, we explored the critical topic of safe online transactions. With the summer promotions season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge or check out our tips if you haven’t already. We also introduced the latest updates to EA’s flagship anti-cheat system, EA Javelin. If you’re unfamiliar with EA Javelin, we encourage you to revisit last month’s newsletter to learn more. This month, we’re exploring the fascinating topic of passwords from a psychological perspective. Why do we choose certain passwords over others? What motivates our choices? And what strategies can help you create strong, secure passwords? You’ll find answers to these questions and more in the Security Focus section. As always, your participation in the newsletter—whether through comments, quizzes, or sharing your experiences—earns you a participation token: a unique badge on the forum. Don’t miss out! We would also like to highlight recent software blocks in EA Javelin. AntiCheatWard from EA's anti-cheat team shared that the Disc-Soft block was implemented due to cheat-like scripts circulating in the ReWASD community, which automate actions like recoil control and skill-based challenges in games. While EA Javelin Anticheat supports legitimate remapping tools like Steam Input and Microsoft's Keyboard Manager, Disc-Soft's attempts to bypass anti-cheat checks and its tolerance of these scripts led to blocking their virtual hardware and drivers. We encourage you to uninstall the software and provide feedback to the vendor, with hopes that changes in their practices could allow for more targeted blocks in the future. You'll find the link to the full article in the InfoHub Section. Stay safe! The Psychology of Password Creation In today's digital age, passwords are crucial for safeguarding our personal and professional information. Yet many people struggle with creating and remembering secure passwords. This challenge is deeply rooted in human psychology and impacts how we choose and manage our passwords. Cognitive Load and Memory It is human nature to simplify complex tasks, which leads to choosing passwords that are easy to remember. As a result, simple choices can be made, such as using sequential numbers, common words, or birthdays. These elements reduce cognitive load, but at the same time, they compromise security. Familiarity Bias People tend to choose passwords that are familiar or meaningful to them. It can be the names of loved ones, favourite sports teams, or phrases that are familiar to you. While these choices make passwords easier to remember, they also make them easier to guess. Risk Perception Many users underestimate the risk of cyber threats, believing that they are unlikely targets. This perception leads to less rigorous password practices, such as using the same password across multiple accounts or opting for simple, easily cracked passwords. The Role of Emotion Emotional attachment can play a significant role in password creation. People often choose passwords that evoke positive feelings or memories, which makes them easier to recall. However, emotional passwords can be predictable for anyone familiar with the user. Social Influence Social factors, such as advice from friends or media, can impact password choices. Recommendations to use complex passwords might be acknowledged but not always implemented due to the inconvenience of remembering them. Strategies for Improvement Use Passphrases Combining unrelated words into a passphrase increases complexity while remaining memorable. Leverage Mnemonics Creating a mnemonic device can help recall complex passwords. Employ Password Managers These tools reduce the burden of remembering multiple passwords while ensuring they are strong and unique. Periodic Password Updates Changing passwords can mitigate risks associated with compromised credentials. But don't make it a burden, as accourding to NIST research over complicating the password changing process might have opposite effect. Online Security Newsletter - Feedback Form Online Security Newsletter - Challenge Creation Interest Form EA Javelin Anticheat & Recent Software Blocks Online Security Newsletter - Volume 5 QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - July
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. Positive Play Charter Report cheating, harassment, and illegal content Content Moderation and Enforcement What’s voice chat moderation in Battlefield 2042? 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 formEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 7
Welcome to another summer issue of our newsletter (for those in the Northern Hemisphere). Last month, we continued our series on phishing from a psychological perspective. This approach, which began two issues ago with a look at password creation, offers valuable insights into how bad actors operate. If you missed the previous issues, be sure to check them out - they’re definitely worth reading! EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 5 EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 6 This month, we focus on the important topic of reporting vulnerabilities in EA games and products. We recently published the Vulnerability Disclosure Hall of Fame, recognizing researchers who helped patch security issues in EA products or games during the past quarter. What is a security vulnerability, and how does it differ from cheating in a game? How can you report a security vulnerability in an EA game or service, and what information should you provide? You’ll find answers to these questions in the Security Focus section of the newsletter. As always, you can earn a unique forum badge by sharing your experiences in the newsletter comments or by taking the quiz. Stay safe! What is a Security Vulnerability? A security vulnerability is a weakness in a system that an attacker could exploit to cause harm, like stealing information or disrupting services. This is different from cheating in a game, which involves a player unfairly manipulating game rules for personal gain within the game itself, rather than exploiting a flaw in the underlying software. If I've found a Security Vulnerability, how do I report it? To report a security vulnerability in an EA game or service, you should fill out the Security Vulnerability Submission form on the EA Security Website. When submitting a report, include details such as the affected game or product, platform, version, time of discovery, what the vulnerability allows, steps to reproduce it, and any supporting evidence like screenshots or sample code. How does EA classify reported Vulnerabilities? EA classifies the severity of reported vulnerabilities using industry standards like the CVSS scoring system and a four-tier scale (Critical, Important, Moderate, Low), with the most severe issues requiring little or no user interaction to exploit. The impact of each vulnerability is further assessed using the STRIDE Security Model, and each report is carefully triaged and investigated by EA’s security team. Can I report cheating in-game through the Security Vulnerability Submission? Short answer - NO. Reporting cheating or account issues is handled separately from security vulnerabilities; cheating should be reported through in-game tools, and account security concerns should be addressed via EA’s account management resources. EA Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure Hall of Fame What to do if you find a vulnerability in an EA game or product Report cheating, harassment, and illegal content Online Security Newsletter - Volume 7 QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - December
Last time, we explored the rising issue of phishing during the holiday season. If you're not familiar with this or need a refresher, make sure to revisit our previous edition! This month, together with our co-host @EA_Kalina, we're excited to share how far our newsletter has reached over the past year. Your engagement has been key to this success, and we hope you'll keep joining us for future editions. Take a look at the infographic below for more details! As a usual token of appreciation for your participation, you'll receive a unique badge on the forum! @EA_Kalina As we head into the new year, we want to thank you for your engagement in this year’s newsletter series. Your participation and feedback had a direct impact on the security of our community. Here’s to the new year and the challenges it may bring! The new year often comes with resolutions, so we encourage you to consider making resolutions about your online safety as well. My New Year's resolution is to share knowledge about staying safe with young gamers who are just beginning their online adventures. Additionally, next year we'll provide more resources to help parents and guardians safely guide their children through the digital world. I hope you'll share your resolutions with us and, most importantly, that we all achieve them! Online Security - A Year in Review January - Secure Downloading Downloading from unverified resources can lead to the installation of trojan malware, which creates backdoors for attackers. This malware can compromise sensitive data and potentially allow control over your PC. Always download from secure, legitimate sources to protect your system. February - AI in social engineering AI is anticipated to enhance cybercriminals' abilities in social engineering, reconnaissance, and data exfiltration. Generative AI can craft more convincing interactions, making phishing attempts harder to detect. March - Passwords Use a memorable phrase turned into an acronym, incorporating at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters to enhance security. This method helps create a robust password that's easier to remember. April - Stream(er) Safety Use Two-Factor Authentication or Multi-Factor Authentication and create strong, unique passwords. Establish separate accounts specifically for streaming to protect your personal information and adjust privacy settings on streaming platforms. May - Malware Signs of malware include slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, new browser toolbars or extensions, and system instability. These symptoms suggest malicious software might be consuming resources or altering settings. June - Account Security TFA provides an extra layer of security by requiring an additional code to protect your account even if someone knows your password. For enhanced security, it is recommended that you use an app authenticator. July - Online Communication Review and update your privacy settings to control what information is visible to others. This helps protect against spear phishing attacks, where attackers impersonate trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information. August - Securing your home network Default credentials are often printed on the device, making them easy targets for unauthorized access. Changing them to something more secure helps protect your network from intruders. September - Bots Use strong, unique passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication. Guard your privacy by keeping personal information confidential. Download files only from trusted sources and regularly update your operating system and antivirus software. Keep your home network secure by updating your router's firmware, and stay alert to phishing attacks. October - Two-Factor Authentication Deep Dive Authenticator apps are more secure because they generate codes locally on your device, avoiding interception or SIM swapping risks. Codes are unique and time-based, changing every 30 seconds for extra protection. November - Phishing Deep Dive Enable Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) using an authenticator app. Verify links and sources by checking URLs carefully. Be skeptical of urgent requests and keep your software updated. Recognize red flags like spelling errors and generic greetings. Secure your email with strong passwords and TFA. Familiarize yourself with account recovery features. How to turn on EA Login Verification Where can I find my backup codes? How to update your EA Account Positive Play Charter Report cheating, harassment, and illegal content How to avoid phishing Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter Feedback form (including Community Spotlight, and Q&A submissi... Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - Challenge Creation Interest form EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - December QuizEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - August
This month again we’ve got a double edition for you. Our newsletter is available on both AHQ and the EA forums! You can find the link to the newsletter on Answers HQ here. Last month, we talked about the importance of communication, particularly how our emotional reactions in games can sometimes lead to negative outcomes and how to handle such situations. We also covered tips on protecting your privacy and reporting inappropriate content in-game. Make sure to catch up on the previous issue with these links: Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - July - Answer HQ EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - July | EA Forums Now, before we jump into this edition, I want to address a question that came up in one of our newsletter forms (I read these regularly and value your feedback!). Do I need a high rank on the forum to participate in the newsletter? Absolutely not! Our newsletter is for everyone, whether you're a silent reader (I know that there are many of you 😉), just posted your first comment yesterday, or are a seasoned forum veteran. Everyone is welcome here! If you have something to share, or a story to tell, don’t hesitate! At the end of this newsletter, you’ll also find a form where you can ask any online security questions that are on your mind. We’ll answer these in future editions. For participating in the newsletter—whether it’s posting a comment, solving a quiz, or completing an extra challenge—you’ll receive a participation token, which is a unique badge on the forum. This month, we’re focusing on how to secure your home network. Without further ado, let’s get into it! Securing home network Change your router’s default password and username Your internet provider probably gave you a device to get online. Usually, these devices have a default network password and admin login printed on the back. It’s a good idea to change this password to something more secure and, if possible, change the default username from “admin” to something less obvious. Enable network encryption At the very least, use WPA2 encryption, and if your router supports WPA3, definitely enable that. Disable WPS WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It’s a feature that makes it easy to connect devices to your network quickly. While handy, it doesn’t need to be on all the time. Turn it on only when absolutely necessary. Disable remote management Sometimes, you might need to enable this feature if you’re having trouble with your device. However, for security reasons, it’s best to keep it disabled unless needed. Update firmware Although firmware updates are usually automatic, it's a good practice to manually check for updates regularly. Keeping your device's firmware updated enhances its security against vulnerabilities. Enable firewall on your router Ensure the firewall service is enabled on your router. This measure significantly reduces the risk of security threats to your device. SANS Ouch! Newsletter - Creating a Cybersecure Home NSA | Best Practices for Securing Your Home Network I would also want you to invite to read an interview with Elise Murphy, Head of Game Security, and AC Ward, Director of Anti-Cheat Engineering. The interview highlights the efforts to develop and expand EA Anti-Cheat, and discussed its ongoing development, emphasizing their mission to protect players by leveraging the latest advancements in anti-cheat technology. Have a read, by clicking the link below: EA anticheat is leveling the playing field Do I need a high rank on the forum to participate in the newsletter? Absolutely not! Our newsletter is for everyone, whether you're a silent reader (I know that there are many of you 😉), just posted your first comment yesterday, or are a seasoned forum veteran. Everyone is welcome here! If you have something to share, or a story to tell, don’t hesitate! Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter Feedback form (including Community Spotlight, and Q&A submissi... Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - Challenge Creation Interest form Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter - August Quiz If you wish to test yourself in this months extra challenge, head over to Answers HQ thread! 😊
