Nintendo says that at least 160,000 Switch users' accounts have been hacked — here's how to make your account more secure with two-factor authentication

Ben GilbertApr 25, 2020, 19:02 IST

Nintendo

Nintendo's Switch game console is wildly popular, with over 50 million units sold — and it's currently out of stock nearly everywhere due to increased demand as millions are forced indoors amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As more people than ever are using the Switch, Nintendo Switch digital accounts are increasingly being targeted by hackers.
Nintendo revealed a major breach on Friday morning: "About 160,000 accounts" of Nintendo Switch users were impacted, the company said.
There's one critical way to protect your account from theft: two-factor authentication. Here's how to set it up right now!
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Do you have a Nintendo Switch? Did you also have a Nintendo 3DS or Wii U?

If you answered yes to both of those questions, there's a possibility your Nintendo Switch account was one of "about 160,000" breaches that Nintendo announced on Friday morning.

So, how do you make sure your Switch stays safe? Nintendo is suggesting every Switch owner set up something called "two-factor authentication." Here's how it works and how to set it up:

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9. Maybe take note of the backup codes in case you get locked out.

Once again, I've blurred some information to protect myself from superhackers. It will not be blurred when you do the same process. Nintendo

8. Input that six-digit code below where you scanned the QR code, and you're good to go!

Nintendo

7. Download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone, and scan the QR code. It will spit out a six-digit numeric code.

Nintendo

6. Check your email for one from Nintendo marked "Nintendo Account: E-mail address verification," and input your verification code — almost done!

Nintendo

5. Check your email address — if this is wrong, and you don't have access to the email, you could accidentally lock your account. So make sure this is right!

I've blurred mine out so none of you superhackers get it. Nintendo

4. Click "2-Step Verification setup"

Nintendo

3. Scroll down to find the "2-Step Verification settings" section, and click " Edit":

Nintendo

2. Click on the "Sign-in and security settings" menu option, on the left:

Nintendo

1. Go to the Nintendo Account management page in your web browser of choice, and log in:

Nintendo

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Nintendo says that at least 160,000 Switch users' accounts have been hacked — here's how to make your account more secure with two-factor authentication

9. Maybe take note of the backup codes in case you get locked out.

8. Input that six-digit code below where you scanned the QR code, and you're good to go!

7. Download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone, and scan the QR code. It will spit out a six-digit numeric code.

6. Check your email for one from Nintendo marked "Nintendo Account: E-mail address verification," and input your verification code — almost done!

5. Check your email address — if this is wrong, and you don't have access to the email, you could accidentally lock your account. So make sure this is right!

4. Click "2-Step Verification setup"

3. Scroll down to find the "2-Step Verification settings" section, and click " Edit":

2. Click on the "Sign-in and security settings" menu option, on the left:

1. Go to the Nintendo Account management page in your web browser of choice, and log in: