Security experts from UserGate Factor report a surge in cyberattacks targeting PlayStation 5 users. Hackers are leveraging artificial intelligence to compromise console firmware, granting them full control over the devices. In response, Sony has initiated mass blocking of the affected consoles, which has triggered a wave of account thefts by malicious actors seeking to sell profiles with large game libraries on the black market.
Russian gamers face heightened risks due to the official suspension of Sony technical support in the country. Users who migrated their accounts to foreign regions to bypass restrictions now face significant bureaucratic and language barriers when attempting to recover compromised profiles. The lack of direct support makes the recovery process for Russian users exceptionally difficult.
Dmitry Ovchinnikov, an information security architect at UserGate Factor, warns that attackers are disguising malware as custom firmware, patches, and regional bypass tools. These malicious files often contain stealers designed to harvest session tokens and login credentials. Furthermore, phishing campaigns are actively targeting users with fake notifications regarding account blocks or verification requirements.
To mitigate these risks, experts strongly recommend implementing two-factor authentication for all PlayStation accounts. It is also critical to use unique, strong passwords for both the gaming profile and the associated email address. Users are advised to avoid downloading unverified software and to remain cautious of suspicious links or messages claiming to be from Sony or PlayStation.
