PSN: You Can Easily Lose Your Account Permanently, Even With Two-Factor Authentication

by Bruno Pferd December 28, 2025

written by Bruno Pferd December 28, 2025

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts can still be compromised despite having two-factor authentication and a passkey enabled, due to a flaw in the account recovery process.
Hackers are bypassing standard verification procedures, potentially using only an account nickname and a transaction number from an old online screenshot to gain control of PSN accounts.
Numerous users have reported similar experiences, with some losing permanent access to their accounts despite recovery attempts. High-profile individuals in the PlayStation community, such as Hakoom and Dav1d123, have also been affected.
Sony has yet to address this security vulnerability or provide a resolution plan, highlighting the need for users to be cautious about sharing any PSN information, even older seemingly innocuous details.

Flaw in PSN Account Recovery Process Could Jeopardize Security, Despite Two-Factor Authentication

Even with two-factor authentication (2FA) and a passkey enabled, PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts can still be compromised because of a flaw in the account recovery process. This allows unauthorized individuals to gain control simply by contacting PlayStation support. One user, despite having a passkey, had a hacker change their email and password and make purchases using linked payment methods. Although the user recovered the account with PlayStation support’s help, the same issue recurred. According to Numerama, the problem isn’t in standard PSN security but in how Sony verifies account ownership when users contact customer service. A hacker could gain access using only the account nickname and a transaction number from an old online screenshot, bypassing typical security measures like verifying name, date of birth, or security questions. Other personal information, such as bank card digits or console serial numbers, can also be exploited. Typically, when users contact Sony support about their PSN accounts, support staff ask for information like the sign-in ID and date of birth. If verified, users might answer a security question established during account creation. However, the compromised accounts indicate that hackers are circumventing these standard verification procedures.

Account Recovery Issues Persist on PSN, Prominent Users Affected

Following Numerama’s investigation, numerous users have reported similar experiences, with some permanently losing access to their accounts despite recovery attempts. These incidents aren’t isolated, as prominent figures in the PlayStation community have been affected. Hakoom, a well-known trophy hunter, and Dav1d123, a former top-ranked player, have both experienced similar issues; Dav1d123 even discovered his account being offered for sale after a breach. Sony hasn’t yet released a statement about this security vulnerability or plans for a resolution. Until then, users should be cautious and avoid sharing any PSN information, even older, seemingly innocuous details. Source: Numerama.

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