Nintendo has revealed that it recorded 160,000 accounts breaches since the beginning of April 2020, by hackers. The hackers perpetuated the breaches using the Nintendo Network IDs (NNID) of some of its users without permission.
The company now says users will no longer need to use these IDs to log in to their accounts. It will also reset passwords on accounts that may have possibly suffered the breach.
The hack particularly affects users who still have the old Nintendo 3D S and Wii U NNID connected to their Switch.
Although Nintendo now employs a Nintendo Account system for logins, the company still allowed users to use their existing NNIDs to access the new Nintendo Accounts.
Also Read:
– Huawei CEO Says It Will Take It 300 Years To Catch Up With Apple And Google’s OS
– Facebook Rivals Zoom With Messenger Rooms That Can Take 50 People In Group Video Call
– Microsoft Teams Fixes Security Flaw That Allows Cyberattacks Using GIFs
Nintendo added that the NNIDs were “obtained illegally by some means other than [their] service”. The attackers used it in accessing user accounts and buy digital items using stored cards.
Unauthorized third parties could also have used the access to view personal information including name, date of birth, gender, country/region, and email address.
Nintendo is asking the users to reset their passwords via email. Its also urging them not to share passwords across multiple accounts and to check their bank cards for fraudulent activity.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers and related parties for any inconvenience and concern. In the future, we will make further efforts to strengthen security and ensure safety so that similar events do not occur,” said Nintendo in a statement originally written in Japanese on its website.
Nintendo advised users to request a refund if they find any unauthorized transactions on their accounts. The gaming company, however, assured users that the breach did not expose credit card information.
For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle, and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@plat4om.com. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.