EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook
Welcome to the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook. This handbook explains how to take part in the ranked version of the newsletter and earn Level 2 or Level 3 badges. How to enter To participate in the ranked experience during a Season, you’ll need to sign up using this form and choose one of four classes: Sentinel Cipher Scout Archivist (head over to Class Description to learn more about each class) Once you’ve chosen your class, you’ll need to stick with it for the entire Season. You can’t change classes once they’re claimed. After selecting your class, you’ll receive a direct message from me (EA_Kuba) on the forums containing your unique key. ⚠️ Do not share this key with anyone. It must be used when submitting the points-claiming form to ensure no one else can claim points on your behalf. Multiple participants can choose the same class, but you cannot select the same class more than once across all four Seasons. Monthly tasks Each month, every class will receive a special task connected to the newsletter. This guide will be updated monthly to reflect the new tasks for each class. Earning points Throughout the Season, you’ll collect points to earn higher-level badges. Points can be earned in the following ways: Completing the monthly quiz and submitting the quiz code shown at the end 1 point Leaving a comment: In the newsletter thread, 1 point In a different forum thread that references the newsletter (optional), 2 points Referencing the newsletter in a different forum thread is optional, not required. When you do mention it, please make sure the reference is meaningful and shared only in threads where it genuinely adds value to the discussion. This option is meant to encourage thoughtful knowledge sharing, not as a shortcut to earning points. The core of participation remains completing the monthly quiz, sharing your own experiences, and finishing the additional class-specific tasks. Completing an additional task related to your chosen class 1 point Badge levels 1 - 3 points → Level 1 badge for your chosen class 4 - 7 points → Level 2 badge for your chosen class 8+ points → Level 3 badge for your chosen class Points must be claimed each month using this form, where you’ll submit: Your quiz code A link to your comment (If applicable) a code related to the additional task There is no limit to how many times a points claim form can be submitted; it can be submitted every time you score a point, or once with a set of points required for the badge. Leaderboard & submissions The leaderboard is updated every 6 hours. Quiz code-based submissions are processed automatically Comment-based points are reviewed and approved by EA Staff Late submissions are accepted up to 7 days after the publication of a new newsletter edition. Badges for the Season will be granted at the beginning of the consecutive one. Season 1 badges from 30 Apr onwards Season 2 badges from 31 Jul onwards Season 3 badges from 31 Oct onwards Season 4 and Final badges 30 Jan ‘27 Final reward At the end of Season 4, if you’ve earned the highest badge for all four classes, you’ll receive the Security Champion Badge. You can check the current leaderboard here. Good luck and see you on the leaderboard! Edition number Season Starting on Ending on Security Focus link 1 Season 1 31 Jan 27 Feb Password hygiene https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter---volume-1-2026/13148852 2 28 Feb 30 Mar Phishing https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter---volume-2-2026/13225675 3 31 Mar 29 Apr TFA https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter---volume-3-2026/13297249 4 Season 2 30 Apr 30 May Mods https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter---volume-4-2026/13370531 5 31 May 29 Jun Voice chat and social engineering https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter---volume-5-2026/13446182 6 31 Jun 30 Jul 7 Season 3 31 Jul 30 Aug 8 31 Aug 29 Sep 9 30 Sep 30 Oct 10 Season 4 31 Oct 29 Nov 11 30 Nov 30 Dec 12 31 Dec 30 Jan ‘27 Season Registration Form Monthly Points Claim Form Leaderboard Sentinel Emblem: The Helm Story When the first networks learned to remember, the Sentinels were already awake. They do not chase glory or secrets; they stand where failure would ripple outward. To be a Sentinel is to accept stillness as a duty to watch the gates long after others have logged off. Their creed is simple: nothing breaks on their watch without warning. Function Sentinels are defenders of accounts, systems, and digital identity. They focus on prevention, secure practices, threat mitigation, and resilience, teaching others how to stay protected before anything goes wrong. Emblem Meaning The helmet is not a weapon, but a promise. It symbolizes vigilance, preparedness, and the quiet strength of someone who stands between chaos and everyone else. It hides the face because the role matters more than the individual. Scout Emblem: The Hawk Story Scouts see what others dismiss as noise. From high above the systemscape, they trace weak signals, subtle delays, patterns that don’t quite fit. Many crises are stopped not by force, but by a single Scout asking the right question at the right time. Function Scouts specialize in early detection and diagnosis. They identify emerging threats, suspicious behavior, and hidden causes behind visible problems. Where others see errors, Scouts see intent. Emblem Meaning The hawk represents elevated perspective and precision. Its sharp gaze reflects the Scout’s mindset: fast, alert, and intolerant of blind spots. It is always in motion, always scanning. Archivist Emblem: The Fox Story The Archivists learned early that knowledge without structure decays into noise. They gather fragments of articles, incidents, lessons learned, and weave them into an understanding. In times of confusion, they are sought not only for answers, but also for context. Function Archivists interpret and organize knowledge. They summarize, document, explain, and preserve information through guides, FAQs, and structured resources that others can rely on long after the moment has passed. Emblem Meaning The fox symbolizes intelligent adaptability and careful organization. Clever but not reckless, it reflects the Archivist’s ability to navigate complexity and emerge with clarity intact. Cipher Emblem: The Owl Story Ciphers walk the boundary between sense and paradox. They delight in locked doors, twisted logic, and problems that refuse direct solutions. Where rules feel rigid, Ciphers bend perspective until a new path appears. Function Ciphers engage with puzzles, obfuscation, lateral problem-solving, and experimental thinking. They challenge assumptions, explore unconventional solutions, and thrive in intellectual uncertainty. Emblem Meaning The owl is the keeper of hidden wisdom, alert in the dark, silent until insight strikes. It reflects the Cipher’s relationship with mystery: not to dispel it immediately, but to learn from it. Shared Universe Together, these four classes form a balanced system: Sentinels protect Scouts detect Archivists preserve Ciphers challenge None outrank the others; each answers a different kind of threat. In a universe built on information, survival depends not on strength alone, but on awareness, memory, and imagination. Sentinel Cipher Scout Archivist Post 1 concrete tip to prevent account takeovers Weak vs a strong password example (quiz) Identify a risky account-signup habit common in the gaming community Summarize in a comment 3 key setup rules in bullet form or post a short “starter checklist.” List red flags of scam messages Analyze a fake message and explain why it fails Find a common scam format used in gaming Create a short “scam checklist” summary Explain how 2FA prevents account loss Compare SMS vs app-based 2FA Identify situations where 2FA would have prevented an attack Write a simple “2FA setup guide” outline List safe modding practices Explain how malicious mods work Identify a risky mod source behavior Summarize mod safety rules Advice on handling pressure or manipulation Break down a social engineering tactic Spot early warning signs in conversations Create a “trust signals vs danger signals” listEA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 4/ 2026
Welcome to the fourth edition of EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Hello everyone, and welcome back to another edition of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter! Last month, we explored the importance of Two-Factor Authentication (TFA/MFA) and how it adds an extra layer of protection to your account. If you haven’t enabled it yet, it’s definitely worth revisiting-small steps like that can make a big difference in keeping your account secure. This month, we’re shifting focus to something many players enjoy but don’t always think about from a security perspective: mods. Whether you’re customizing your experience in The Sims 4 or exploring content in Command & Conquer Remastered, mods can enhance gameplay, but they also come with risks if not handled carefully. Let’s take a closer look at how to stay safe when downloading, creating, and sharing mods. This edition is also the first edition of Season 2! You still have a chance to claim your points for the next 7 days for Edition 3 of the Newsletter! A new Season means you’ll need to register for Season 2 with a new class, but you will still use the same key you received upon first registration. Remember, you must choose a different class than the one you selected in Season 1. For example, if you picked Sentinel in Season 1, your options for the next Season are: Cipher, Scout, and Archivist. If anything is unclear, head over to the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook, or feel free to ask questions here in the thread. Stay safe! Mods are a great way to personalize your game, but they also introduce something important- external content. Unlike official updates, mods are created and shared by other users, which means you’re placing trust in sources outside the game’s ecosystem. That trust needs to be earned, not assumed. One of the most common mistakes is downloading mods from unknown or unverified websites. A file might promise new content, better graphics, or gameplay advantages, but behind the scenes, it could contain harmful software. Attackers often rely on curiosity and excitement, especially when popular mods or trending content are involved. Even legitimate-looking mod pages can be misleading. Fake download buttons, shortened links, or cloned websites can redirect you to unsafe files. Taking a moment to double-check URLs, avoid suspicious redirects, and stick to trusted creators can help you avoid unnecessary risks. Another important point is that mods are not supported across all EA games. They are allowed only in The Sims 4 and Command & Conquer Remastered Collection. Attempting to use mods in unsupported games can lead not only to technical issues or account suspensions but also to security concerns, especially if you’re encouraged to install unofficial tools or bypass normal game protections. For those creating mods, security matters just as much. Sharing files responsibly means ensuring your content is clean, clearly described, and hosted on reliable platforms. Transparency builds trust within the community and helps others feel confident when downloading your work. It’s also worth remembering that game updates can affect mods. After updates, some mods may break or behave unpredictably. Downloading “quick fixes” from random sources in a rush to restore functionality is a common way players expose themselves to risk. Waiting for updates from trusted creators is always the safer choice. At its core, mod safety comes down to awareness and habits. Stick to reputable sources, avoid anything that feels rushed or suspicious, and treat every download as something that deserves a second look. A few extra seconds of caution can save you from much bigger problems later. The Sims 4 Mods Policy https://help.ea.com/en/articles/the-sims/the-sims-4/mods-policy/ Mods and Game Updates (The Sims 4) https://help.ea.com/en/articles/the-sims/the-sims-4/mods-and-the-sims-4-game-updates/ How to Install Mods (The Sims 4) https://help.ea.com/en/articles/the-sims/the-sims-4/how-to-install-mods-the-sims-4/ Command & Conquer Remastered – Modding FAQ https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer/command-and-conquer-remastered/news/modding-faq Last month’s discussion focused on the importance of TFA/MFA and how it helps protect player accounts. As always, the community brought a mix of practical advice, technical insight, and real awareness to the conversation. The featured comments below were selected based on their relevance to the topic, depth of explanation, educational value, and their potential to help others better understand account security. Practical Security Made Simple ElhaSims Choose a method: Authenticator app, Text Message, or Email. Step-by-Step 2FA Setup: Step 1️⃣: Log in to the desired account. Step 2️⃣: Go to "Security Settings" or "Account Security". Step 3️⃣: Select "Two-Factor Authentication" or "Two-Step Verification". Step 4️⃣: Select Send code. Step 5️⃣: Enter the generated verification code... Highlighted for: Clear, step-by-step breakdown that’s easy for anyone to follow Focus on accessibility, helping less experienced users take action Turning awareness into something practical and usable immediately Real-World Impact of TFA NoikaSims Situations where TFA would have prevented an attack could be: Stole your account in case you have been victim of phishing. Get access to your bank account and make transactions. If there is a data breach and accounts and passwords are filtered. Someone guesses your password and tries to log into your account. Recognized for: Strong real-world framing of common attack scenarios Making the benefits of TFA tangible and easy to understand Reinforcing why “it won’t happen to me” is a risky mindset Deep Dive into How TFA Stops Attacks Asmodeus566 Two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) prevents unauthorized access by requiring a second form of verification... It effectively stops automated bot attacks, 99% of bulk phishing, and 66% of targeted attacks...(...) Highlighted for: Detailed breakdown of multiple attack types (phishing, brute-force, credential stuffing) Strong educational value for users wanting to understand the “how,” not just the “what” Bridging technical concepts with practical security outcomes Thank you to everyone who took part in the discussion, whether you shared detailed insights, personal experiences, or simple takeaways. Every contribution helps build a more security-aware community. EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Quiz - Volume 4/ 2026EA NextStep, a step back
I am starting to think that they know what they are doing, seeing that the forum was the only resource that popped up when I was researching a problem I was pleasantly surprised to see a "contact us" button at the bottom of the support page. Now I was fully expecting an AI assistant, at least before speaking with support staff or having a ticket created, but what EA has created is well beyond any other assistant I have ever had the displeasure of navigating. Every single prompt from EA NextStep comes with little to no regard of the information you entered into the window previously. Beyond stating your name multiple times be prepared to state your problem, game, and system multiple times in repeat. And for those of you as gullible as me, hoping, praying to at least have an actual ticket created and maybe get a chance to have another person review your problem, let me save you the effort. At the end of each session with EA NextStep it will prompt you to the EA "Self Help" guide where the AI chose an article for you to read and hopefully fix the problem yourself, the only problem, it doesn't actually listen to your problem. I was trying to solve the random EA app failure on PC and beyond having to give it all of the important information multiple times, I was offered a generic "game help" article, a "login help" article, and a "connectivity troubleshooting" article, none of which actually addressed the problem or the fact that I had attempted many of the steps those articles were suggesting before trying to find more help. If anyone has a solution to the EA app bug, I would be very appreciative, but I will not hold my breath on EA finding the solution, as the multitude of threads on and off of this site complaining about the exact issue I was having, and the EA proposed solution, if all else fails, factory reset, and the EA app and EA games are just not worth that effort.i moved the sims 4 to an external hard drive
i moved the sims 4 to an external hard drive and now clothes and other things are shown as white with red and questionmarks. I did everything right according to the internet (choosing a different location for the sims to download etc.) and i also putted the documents in there but it still isn't working. and its not about CC. But basically everything because the other things have black markings. If anyone can help me out, that would be amazing! Thank you :) This is what i see:EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 1/ 2026
Welcome to the first edition of EA Forums Online Security Newsletter in 2026! We’ve refreshed the visuals of our newsletter. What do you think? We’re excited to introduce a new way to interact with the newsletter. But first, let’s talk about what hasn’t changed. Over the next 12 months, you can expect the same high-value educational content, covering the most important security topics for us gamers. Each month, you’ll have a chance to test yourself with a quiz, and just like in previous years (yes, we’re officially kicking off year 3 of the newsletter series!), we’re looking forward to hearing your tips and experiences related to online security. What’s new? A new home for the newsletter The newsletter will now live in a different part of the forum: EA Community Discussion. This space better highlights the newsletter's community-driven nature and invites everyone to jump into the conversation. New badges! We’re introducing a more engaging and achievement-focused participation system. The 12 newsletter editions are now grouped into 4 Seasons. Throughout each season, you’ll work your way toward earning the coolest badge while tracking your progress on a leaderboard. Season 1 starts now! To learn more about how to participate, check out this article. Not into leaderboards? No problem! If ranked challenges aren’t your thing, that’s totally fine. You can continue engaging with the newsletter as usual and earn the Level 1 badge at the end of the season. Each season, the same badge will be awarded to all participants who choose the non-ranked path. Just complete at least one quiz during the season to receive your participation token. Whew, that was a lot of information! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment in the newsletter thread or in the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the heart of our newsletter - Security Focus. We’re kicking off the year with a crucial topic: password hygiene. Stay safe! Use strong and unique passwords for every account This is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your online security. Creating a strong password is the first step, but if that password is ever leaked (for example, through a breach) and you reuse it across multiple accounts, all of those accounts could be at risk. What makes a password strong? A strong password should be: At least 16 characters long A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters Include numbers and special characters This combination makes your password significantly harder to crack using automated password-cracking tools. You can test your password strength using tools like passwordmonster.com but please never post your password publicly on forums to ask if it’s strong enough. An alternative: passphrases Passphrases can be a great alternative to traditional passwords as long as the words you choose are truly random. Avoid using personal information or anything that could be publicly available. Don’t combine words that are naturally related (such as colors, cities, or animals). The more random the words, the stronger the passphrase. For extra strength, mix uppercase and lowercase letters and add numbers or symbols. Your digital keychain Managing many strong passwords can feel overwhelming. To make this easier, consider using a password manager (password vault). These tools securely store your passwords and help you generate strong, unique ones for every account so you don’t have to remember them all yourself. How to keep your EA Account secure How secure is your password? What is this place? Community Spotlight is a special space in the newsletter dedicated to highlighting the contributions of our forum community. At the end of each edition, we’ll select one standout tip, comment, or other contribution related to community security and feature it right here. Your contributions help decide what gets spotlighted through comments, likes, or simply by being an active and helpful member of the forum community (yes, we have eyes everywhere 😉). EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Quiz - Volume 1/ 2026EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 3/ 2026
Welcome to the third edition of EA Forums Online Security Newsletter It’s the last day of the month, which means it’s time for a new edition of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter. If this is your first time here, welcome! This newsletter is a monthly discussion focused on online security, tailored specifically for us—gamers. Each edition explores key aspects of staying safe online. Last month, we discussed phishing and how to protect yourself against it. Feel free to join the conversation, share your experiences, and—if you’re up for a friendly challenge—take part in our competition. You can find more details in our handbook. This month, we’ll focus on the importance of Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) and explore what prevents gamers from enabling it. The threats it protects against can often feel abstract and distant until they’re not. And like many things in security, it doesn’t seem urgent until it becomes personal. Many gamers don’t enable TFA because they believe their account isn’t valuable enough to be targeted. “I have nothing worth stealing” is a common misconception. In reality, stolen accounts are often used for phishing campaigns, laundering in-game currency, or as part of bot networks. The damage isn’t always directed at you—your account carries social trust, and that has value to attackers. Another major barrier is the perception that TFA is inconvenient or unreliable. SMS codes, for example, can be delayed or fail to arrive, which frustrates users and discourages adoption. On top of that, SMS-based authentication is increasingly considered a legacy solution due to its vulnerability to attacks and overall security weaknesses. Some players avoid TFA simply because they are not aware of better alternatives. Authenticator apps provide a more secure and reliable option by generating Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP)—typically 6-digit codes—directly on your device. These codes are available instantly, even if your phone is in flight mode, making them both faster and safer than SMS. Poor security habits can also prevent effective use of TFA. Account sharing between friends bypasses the purpose of TFA entirely, turning a secure system into a weak one. Similarly, backup codes are often ignored—people take a screenshot and forget about them—despite their critical role in account recovery. A lack of urgency often delays action until it’s too late. The threats TFA protects against can feel distant or abstract, so enabling it doesn’t seem necessary—until something goes wrong. However, many platforms already highlight its importance by requiring it for key features. For example, EA FC requires TFA to access the Web and Companion Apps, and Steam requires Steam Guard to use the Marketplace. Ultimately, stronger habits and better tools make TFA easy and effective to use. Use an authenticator app whenever possible, and enable any form of TFA available across all your accounts. Your email address is the foundation of your security—make sure it is especially well protected. Access to your email can make it much easier for someone to take over your other accounts. How to enable two-factor authentication on your EA Account EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook Community Spotlight Volume 2: Phishing This month’s Community Spotlight highlights outstanding replies from Volume 2 – Phishing. Comments were chosen based on the following criteria: Relevance to phishing Depth of insight Educational value Originality Potential impact on the community Practical Phishing Defense Blueprint Comment from ElhaSims : If we focus on phishing targeting gamers, and knowing that scammers aim to steal accounts, items, or banking information through fake links, keep this scam checklist in mind to avoid it: 🔗 Check the links: Hover your mouse over the links without clicking to see the real URL. Inspect suspicious emails/messages; look for spelling errors or fake domains (e.g., micros0ft.com). 🛡️ Protect your accounts: Create unique and strong passwords for each gaming platform. Use password managers and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA). ⚠️ Beware of urgency: If you are threatened with being banned if you don't click, it's a scam. ⚠️🛍️Beware of Free Offers: Be wary of "free" or "too good to be true" offers. Promises of skins, currency, or early access are commonly phishing scams. 🤝 Safe Trading: Only use the platform's official trading systems. Do not download mods or cheats from unofficial sources, nor download executables from unknown sources. Avoid direct transactions with strangers, for example, via Discord or PayPal. 🙅♂️Don't Click: Avoid links in unsolicited emails or direct messages, even if they appear to be from friends. 🔄Update Software: Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date to mitigate risks. 📧 Don't Share Information: Never give your passwords or financial information to other users, even if they promise in-game assistance. Legitimate companies will never ask for your login credentials via email or chat. 🚩Report and Ignore: If something seems suspicious, report and block it. Recognized for: A highly relevant and structured scam checklist tailored to gaming environments Clear, actionable guidance covering multiple phishing tactics (links, urgency, fake offers, unsafe trades) A contribution with clear potential to improve day-to-day security habits across the community Trust Boundary Awareness The second highlighted comment is from NewFoundRemedy : I have seen plenty of people fall for phishing scams due to blindly trusting messages from people on their friend lists who themselves had their accounts phished. It's key to make sure you extend caution to even those you think are trustworthy sources. If you haven't talked to them in a while, be extra vigilant. Highlighted for bringing forward: A sharp observation of phishing through compromised trusted contacts A powerful reminder that familiarity should not override caution A mindset-focused takeaway that can prevent common mistakes Real-World Scam Pattern Recognition Lastly comment from NoikaSims (...) I think is common the use of "places", private messages or mails with offers to items, currency in game, etc, for usually cheap prices. We have seen it a couple of times even in The Sims forums that they sell players codes for the extra content and not for the expansion as they believed, (...) Commended for showcasing: Practical reinforcement of the “too good to be true” warning sign Solid educational value through simple, real-life context A contribution that helps others more easily recognize and avoid similar threats As always, thanks to anyone who contributed to the newsletter! EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 3/ 2026
