Three years behind Xbox, Sony is adding two-factor authentication to PlayStation Network

Three years - almost to the day - after Microsoft added two-factor authentication (2FA) to its universal user accounts, which include its Xbox Live services, Sony"s PlayStation Network is finally catching up with its main rival.

PlayStation 3 owners noticed references to "2-step verification" in the console"s latest update, which rolled out this week:

More proof about #PSN 2-step verification. This is from PS3 after today"s v4.80 update. pic.twitter.com/Kt4WbyGk6G

— Tuomas Tonteri (@tontsa) April 20, 2016

2FA is a more robust method of protecting user accounts than relying exclusively on a username and password. Typically, it requires that users enter their regular login information, along with an additional verification code which is either sent to the user"s phone, or generated by a mobile app.

While the most recent PS3 update includes 2FA references, Sony hasn"t actually got the new verification process up and running yet - but a company spokesperson confirmed to Polygon that the feature is on the way: "In order to further safeguard our users and their accounts, we are preparing to offer a 2-step verification feature."

However, there was no indication of exactly when Sony"s 2FA system will be introduced; the spokesperson said that "more details will be shared at a later date".

Source: Polygon

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