Many gamers underestimate the value of their Origin or Stream accounts, thinking hackers wouldn’t bother with them. In reality, cybercriminals target these accounts regularly, stealing hundreds and thousands of them every year and selling them on the dark web.

Your password is the crucial barrier that stands between you and these threats. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create strong passwords for your gaming accounts and why a password manager makes security easier than ever. 

Why Do Hackers Target Gaming Accounts?

Hackers see gaming accounts as valuable assets, sometimes worth more than you might imagine. They don’t just want your profile; they’re after anything they can turn into cash, including rare in-game items, saved payment info, or even your email address to send spam or launch further attacks. 

Even accounts without fancy items can be useful because attackers may use them for farming resources, spamming, or reselling access on dark web marketplaces. Because of this, accounts can sell for anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds or more. Cybercriminals use many tricks to steal accounts. 

Some create fake websites offering cool skins or discounted loot boxes to trick gamers into giving up their passwords, and they often do without even realizing it. Others try brute-force attacks, guessing common or easy passwords, such as your birthdate, favorite band, or hometown. 

Another common tactic is credential stuffing, which involves using passwords leaked from other sites to break into your gaming account. Since many people reuse the same password across multiple accounts, this method often works. That’s why using a unique password for every platform is crucial to stay protected.

How to Create a Strong Password for a Gaming Account

Every gaming platform has its own way to change your password, so the first step is to find the “Change Password” option in your account settings, whether that’s Steam, Origin, Battle.net, or another service. 

You’ll usually need to enter your current password or use a reset link sent to your email. When creating a new password, length matters most. Aim for at least 10 characters, but 15 or more is even better. Mix uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and special characters (if allowed). 

The more complex and longer your password, the tougher it is to crack. If thinking up strong passwords feels like a hassle, or you struggle to remember them, password managers are a lifesaver. They can create highly secure passwords, store them safely, and even fill them in automatically whenever you log in. 

Related Read: How Does a Password Manager Work?

Why Should You Use a Password Manager to Secure Your Gaming Passwords?

Managing strong, unique passwords for every gaming account can quickly become overwhelming. Password managers simplify this by securely storing your credentials and handling the complex stuff for you. 

One Master Password Secures Everything

A password manager lets you protect all your gaming passwords behind one strong master password, meaning you only need to remember a single password instead of dozens. It’s like having a secure vault where every key is safely locked inside. Choosing a strong master password is crucial because it’s the gatekeeper to all your stored credentials. But once set, you don’t have to worry about memorizing individual passwords or resorting to weak repeats.

Keeps Your Passwords Encrypted and Safe

Password managers encrypt your stored passwords, making them unreadable without your master password. Even if someone tried to access the database, the encryption keeps your info safe from prying eyes. This encryption happens locally on your device or in the cloud, depending on the service, adding multiple layers of security. So, your gaming passwords stay private, no matter what.

Helps You Generate Strong Passwords 

Not sure how to come up with a tough password? Password managers have built-in generators that create complex, random passwords tailored to any site’s requirements. These passwords include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, making them nearly impossible to crack. You won’t have to struggle or reuse easy passwords anymore.

Adds Extra Security When You Log In 

Many password managers offer additional security features like two-factor authentication (2FA). This means even if someone steals your master password, they’ll need a second form of verification to get in. Some also alert you to weak or reused passwords, helping you improve your security over time. These extras add peace of mind beyond just storing passwords.

Syncs Your Passwords Across All Devices

A good password manager keeps your passwords synced across your phone, tablet, and computer. So, you can log into your gaming accounts anywhere, anytime, without manually entering passwords. Syncing also ensures you have access to new or updated passwords no matter which device you use, making account management seamless.

Automatically Fills Logins on Trusted Sites 

Password managers can detect when you’re on a login page and automatically fill in your username and password for you, saving time and preventing mistakes caused by typing passwords incorrectly. By only auto-filling on trusted sites, they also help avoid phishing attacks that try to steal your login details. 

Other Ways to Protect Your Gaming Account

Keeping your gaming account secure goes beyond just a strong password. Here are some additional steps you can take to stay safe while gaming online.

Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA gives your account an extra security layer. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to log in without a temporary code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Most gaming platforms offer 2FA via text messages or authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy. While texts are easier to use, authenticator apps provide stronger protection against hacks.

Recognize and Avoid Phishing Attacks

Phishing is when attackers try to trick you into giving up your login details. Stay alert by checking the sender’s email carefully before clicking any links or opening attachments. Watch out for urgent messages demanding personal info and always verify website URLs before entering your credentials. A good practice is to bookmark official gaming sites instead of using links from email.

Use Public Wi-Fi Networks Carefully

Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in coffee shops or airports, are convenient but risky to connect to. When you join these open networks, hackers can intercept your personal data, including payment details for in-game purchases. If you want to game on the go, consider using a VPN service to secure your connection or wait until you’re on a trusted, password-protected network.

Avoid Installing Third-Party Game Mods

Mods and cheats might seem fun but can hide malware or malicious code aimed at stealing your info. Only download mods from reputable sources like official repositories or trusted communities. Research mod creators and read user reviews before installing anything. Stay away from cheat programs, keep your game and mods updated, and always scan downloads with reliable antivirus software.

Final Word

Protecting your gaming account doesn’t have to be complicated. With strong passwords, the right tools like password managers, and a few smart habits, you can keep your gaming account safe from most threats.