How I lost 14 years of progress on Call Of Duty thanks to Activision

A reader highlights the problems with hacking and cheating in Call Of Duty and what Activision has and hasn’t done to prevent it.

I would like to submit an article about Activision and it hacking issues it’s having lately, as I was one of the players that has lost 14 years of progression, that when down the drain just like that. The support team just let them have access to it based on the emails I was receiving, while working and not noticing I was losing my account.

Surge in Call of Duty player hacks: what’s happening and Activision’s response

In recent months, Call of Duty players have been experiencing an alarming increase in hacking incidents, raising concerns across the gaming community. The popular first person shooter series, published by Activision, has always been a target for hackers due to its vast playerbase and competitive nature. However, the recent spike has highlighted vulnerabilities that are causing significant disruptions for gamers.

The current wave of hacks impacting Call Of Duty players includes account takeovers, where hackers gain unauthorised access to player accounts, often leading to the loss of in-game progress, items, and even financial information. Players have reported being locked out of their accounts, finding their account details changed, and witnessing unauthorised purchases made with their linked payment methods.

This rise in hacking incidents has been attributed to several factors:

Increased Popularity: Call Of Duty’s popularity, especially with titles like Warzone, means it’s a bigger target for hackers.
Phishing and Social Engineering: Hackers are employing sophisticated phishing techniques to trick players into revealing their login credentials.
Weak Security Measures: Some critics argue that Activision’s current security measures are inadequate to handle the sophisticated methods employed by modern hackers.

Activision’s Response

Activision has acknowledged the surge in hacking incidents and has taken several steps to mitigate the issue. The company’s response includes both immediate and long-term strategies aimed at enhancing security and protecting player accounts.

Enhanced Account Security: Activision has introduced mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) for all Call Of Duty accounts. This additional layer of security requires players to verify their identity through a secondary device, making it more challenging for hackers to gain unauthorised access.
Phishing Awareness Campaigns: The company has launched educational campaigns to raise awareness among players about the dangers of phishing and social engineering. These campaigns aim to educate players on recognising suspicious emails and links that could compromise their account security.
Improved Detection Systems: Activision is investing in advanced detection systems that can identify unusual activity patterns on accounts, such as sudden changes in login locations or behaviours indicative of hacking. This proactive approach aims to identify and neutralise threats before they can cause significant harm.
Support and Recovery: For players who have already been affected by hacks, Activision has streamlined its support processes to expedite account recovery. The company has expanded its customer support team and introduced a more efficient reporting system to handle the increased volume of hacking reports.

Community Response and Criticism

Despite these measures, some in the gaming community feel that Activision’s response has been too slow and inadequate. Forums and social media platforms are rife with complaints from players who believe that more could have been done to prevent the surge in hacks.

Critics argue that Activision should have implemented stronger security protocols sooner, given the history of hacking in online gaming. They also call for greater transparency from the company regarding the specific steps being taken to address security vulnerabilities.

In contrast, others appreciate Activision’s efforts, acknowledging the complexities involved in securing such a large and diverse playerbase. They point out that the implementation of 2FA and other security measures are significant steps forward, even if more work remains to be done.

Looking Forward

The recent hacking incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle between game developers and malicious actors. As technology evolves, so too do the methods used by hackers, necessitating continuous advancements in security measures.

For Call of Duty players, the key takeaway is the importance of personal vigilance in protecting their accounts. Utilising strong, unique passwords, enabling 2FA, and staying informed about potential threats are essential practices.

While Activision continues to enhance its security infrastructure, the cooperation and awareness of the gaming community will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of hacks. The hope is that, through combined efforts, the gaming experience can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

By reader Kevin Cabey