How to use security best practices on PSN

1. Create a strong password

Make it unique: Don’t reuse an existing password when setting up an account for PlayStation Network. A unique password means that a security breach on another service should not compromise your account.

Make it strong: Use a sentence or phrase to create your password. Remember to include numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters, as well as symbols (for example, ‘$’ or ‘%’).

Make it hard to predict: Your password shouldn’t involve any information about yourself.
For example, don't use details like your birthday or a school you've attended.

1. Set up 'Require Password at Checkout'

Activate password protection for PlayStation™Store purchases to prevent someone else from making purchases without your knowledge.

1. Set up 'Require passcode at log-in'

Prevent people who don’t know your passcode from signing in to your account on your console.

1. Add 2-step verification (2SV) to your account

By activating 2-step verification, a second layer of security is added to your account. Each time you sign in with 2SV active, a unique verification code is sent to your mobile phone, which can then be used to sign in to your account.

Set up a device setup password (PlayStation®3 consoles and PlayStation®Vita consoles)

PS3™consoles and PS Vita consoles require a Device Setup Password to sign in to PlayStation Network. To sign in to PlayStation Network, use your Device Setup Password instead of your account password. 

1. Never share your account details

Sharing your account details compromises the security of your account. It's also a breach of our Terms of Service, so never tell anyone else your password or sign-in information. If someone signs in to your account, they can change your password and/or sign-in ID and lock you out.

The internet has many websites offering free virtual currency in exchange for personal information. These sites are created to gather your information and gain access to your account, payment information, and personal information. Never share account information with these sites. Change your password if you've ever been on one of these sites.

1. Don’t sign in on shared devices

Signing in to your account from internet cafes, libraries, or public PlayStation consoles poses a security threat. Only sign in on devices controlled by you or people you trust, otherwise, your information could be stolen without your knowledge.