Over the past month, users on social media were complaining of missing funds from their Nintendo account. To prevent this from happening, the company encouraged users to enable 2 Factor Authentication for their Nintendo Account.
My Nintendo account was hacked today and someone ordered $99 worth of fortnight stuff. I am both pissed my money was stolen AND pissed it was for fortnight. Fortnite? I don’t know what the fuck thay game really is.
— ?Meg? (@pegasus_writer) April 18, 2020
Now, on Friday to deter further attempts of unauthorized sign-ins, the company is disabling the ability to log into a Nintendo Account through Nintendo Network ID (NNID).
What is a Nintendo Network ID (NNID)?
Nintendo Network ID is a unique username and password used mainly with older consoles like Wii. To access online features (online multiplayer, and eShop purchases) on Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is required.
Using it users were able to link both Nintendo Accounts and Nintendo Network ID and share funds with friends. This makes it one of the main reasons how Nintendo account hacking occurred.
How will this step help?
Once the ability to log in to Nintendo Account using NNID is disabled, hackers will not be able to track down other email addresses associated with other accounts. This will stop them from stealing user data.
What all data has been accessed during a breach?
According to the company, 160,000 accounts were recently hacked, but no financial data was exposed. Details like Date of birth, email addresses, nicknames, and country are assumed to be accessed during the breach. However, some accounts experience fraudulent purchases.
What is the company’s stand?
In the wake of the hack, the company is now resetting passwords for affected accounts and is temporarily disabling the login to Nintendo Account through NNID system.
In response to recent incidents related to some Nintendo Accounts, it is no longer possible to sign into a Nintendo Account using a Nintendo Network ID. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please visit our Support website for more information: https://t.co/GMrXr5OHW0
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) April 24, 2020
The company suggests doing three things to make your accounts more secure:
- Change password associated with both Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID
- Set up two-factor authentication as it will act as an extra layer of security on top of the password
- Click log out all devices option under Sign-in and security settings and reset passwords.
Further, Nintendo has asked customers to check their purchase history. If they find any unauthorized transactions, they can request a refund. Not only this, but the company is also sending emails to the affected users, asking them to change their passwords.
COVID-19 is not only disturbing our personal and professional lives, it is also giving hackers a chance to hack accounts easily. Nintendo hack is just an example of hackers targeting users. To stay secure company is taking measures and have asked users to use Nintendo account email address instead of using Nintendo Network ID (NNID)
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