Nintendo announces 300,000 accounts hacked after original 150,000 accounts breached

Nintendo has announced more accounts were recently hacked than it had originally thought.

Back in April, the company reported 160,000 accounts were hacked after users Nintendo Network IDs were used without permission, but this week, the company stated that the actual number of accounts was almost double that, CNN reported.

The Nintendo Network IDs were used on the 3DS and WiiU systems, but could be linked to the account used on the Switch, Business Insider reported.

Company officials discovered the hacking actually affected 300,000 accounts as it continued to investigate the security breach, but claimed few accounts that were attacked had fraudulent purchases connected to them. Affected customers either have received a refund for purchases they did not make or will get their money back soon, CNN reported.

Not only were hackers able to use account owners’ money to buy virtual currency for Fortnite, but they were also able to see birthdays, home area and email address, as well as access other payment services linked to the Nintendo system.

Nintendo customers were told to check their purchase histories for unauthorized transactions and request refunds.

Affected users will be contacted by Nintendo via email urging them to reset their passwords. They’re also telling users to use two-factor authentication and to change their accounts from using the Nintendo Network ID to using their email instead, CNN reported.

Cox Media Group