Buzz
If you're a Nintendo account holder, it's wise to set up two-step verification to protect your account from potential threats.
Although Nintendo has made two-step verification optional, they have recently begun a social media campaign urging users to enable it for added security.
This weekend, several Nintendo Switch users shared reports of unauthorized third-party logins, with some even losing funds. According to Nintendo Life, the company has also issued a warning in Japan regarding an increase in credit card fraud involving Nintendo accounts.
In late March, someone accessed my account from Thailand. Fortunately, I was able to spot it in time and change my password before any harm was done. However, my supposedly secure password wasn't secure enough, and I'm embarrassed I didn't have two-step verification enabled before the unauthorized access.
To activate two-step verification for your account, simply visit the Nintendo website and log into your account.
Next, navigate to the 'Sign-in and security settings' section, scroll down to '2-step verification,' and click on 'Edit.'
Unlike other services that use your phone number for two-step verification, Nintendo requires you to use an Authenticator app for this added layer of security.
Once you click '2-Step Verification setup' on Nintendo's website, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to complete the process using Google Authenticator, which should also work with any third-party app you prefer.
As part of the setup, you'll be provided with backup codes in case you need to access your account without the app. Be sure to store these codes somewhere safe so you can easily find them when needed.
While two-step verification will slightly increase the difficulty of logging into your Nintendo account, it will make it much harder for potential attackers to gain access.
