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Everyone knows it by now: HACKERS ARE OUT THERE! And no matter what security precautions KingsIsle takes to protect you, your accounts and your wizards, there's no keeping them out forever!

And what's worse? In some cases, these hackers can gain access to your account WITHOUT your password! Yes, it is possible! I've seen it in action!

There are many ways they can do this. Keylogging, malware, Trojans, etc. All of which can prove fatal to your account and even compromise your bank information if it's saved to your account. When people ask me why I wipe my credit card info from my account after making a payment, this is why. I have no problem taking the time to enter it again just so it isn't saved to my account in case it gets hacked.

And there's little KingsIsle themselves can do to stop these people, unless it's detected early, before any major damage can be done.

When people ask me why it is that I made a new account instead of trying to get my old one unbanned, I always tell them: "That account was banned because it's because hacked via keylogging more then once, and it poses a security risk to both myself, and my computer. I ultimately decided it was for the best to have that account permanently banned, wipe all of it's information ( including it's e-mail address ), and start up a new one that HASN'T been hacked repeatedly."

I also took the extra time to get a new computer during that time. It's just the smart thing to do to protect your information.

While getting a new PC is kind of extreme, there are some forms of hacking out there that can not only destroy your account beyond repair, but can also forcibly RUIN your computer forever. When this happens, you'll just have to pay up for a replacement.

There are a few ways to prevent this from happening:

1) Make SURE your computers security is up-to-date.
2) Do NOT use an operating system (OS) that is no longer receiving security updates from the company who produced it ( Windows Vista for example ).
3) Install anti-malware and anti-spyware software on your PC and make sure it's up-to-date! Malwarebytes is excellent for Windows 10.
4) Never, EVER, visit a website that is intended for adult audiences! That's a sure fire way to get a virus put on your computer!
5) ALWAYS scan your computer using your anti-malware software for viruses, malware, or Trojans, to ensure they can't steal any of your information!
6) This is kind of a no-brainer, but make sure your internet has adequate security so you can't be tracked by these hackers!

While sadly, we can't prevent all hackings of our accounts, we can reduce them by staying alert, and taking necessary precautions to protect our computers.

eSnowFrost on Jul 5, 2018 wrote:

Wow... thank you for this post.

Were you hacked too?
I was hacked using a keylogger. I lost all 3 of my accounts.
I'm hoping Kingsisle restores everything. I am working with them right now. just so upset right now.
I hope this doesn't happen to anyone.

Sadly, yes. My original account I made back in 2009 was hacked a few years back, and I ended up losing everything, including over 30,000 crowns worth of premium items I had saved up. Not to mention it pretty much ruined my PC, forcing me to get a new one.

Luckily, my highest level wizard at the time was only level 50-ish, so I didn't lose TOO much progress. But it's still a painful reminder that hackers are out there, and we have to do everything in our power to keep our accounts safe.

I think the main way people are 'hacked' is they share their account details, either in game or with a friend irl. The second is, they share personal details to connect outside the game...then either think their bond with someone is bigger than it is so share their account details or give enough info the person can guess their password etc...or they open links sent by that person/people.

I can not imagine why a random hacker would go on to my wizard to swear in the commons or delete my favourite wizard. If a random hacker got access to everything on my computer they'd go for bank details to clean me out, steal my identity and take credit in my name.

When a 'hacker' messes with your wizards it's almost certainly someone you know...and it's likely that you shared info we've been warned not to.

I agree with the OP's methods of securing accounts and our computers - that stuff applies to people phishing or trying to access the info on our computers for any reason, not just wizard101.

There is a reason we can't post links in game, it's against the terms of use to give info to meet outside of game, and we're constantly reminded not to share accounts or account info. These are the main weaknesses to our security...WE are the main weakness in our security!

Whether they're your best friend from school or your best buddy in the Spiral...don't give them your account details or info that could lead them to your account details.

I was going to say, if you wouldn't give them your credit card and keys to your house...then I remembered...siblings!!! So often it is the upset sibling in a mood over something who hits right where it hurts...in the wizard! Goodbye favourite wizards, favourite mounts, favourite....anything.

Someone asked for my daughter's account details and she begged me to say she could so she 'could prove she trusted them'. Apparently they said they needed this as proof..huh? Nope! That's not friendship, it's manipulation!

As Fox Moulder would say, Trust no-one!