This week, the gaming community was shaken by reports of a massive Steam data breach, allegedly affecting 89 million accounts. The claim, originating from a LinkedIn post, suggested that user data, including phone numbers and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, was being sold on the dark web for a mere $5,000. Naturally, panic ensued.
Was Steam Actually Hacked?
Despite the alarming headlines, Valve has officially denied any breach of Steam’s systems. According to their investigation, the leaked data consists of old SMS messages containing one-time passcodes, which are only valid for 15 minutes. These codes were not linked to Steam accounts, passwords, payment details, or any other sensitive information. In short, while some data surfaced online, it does not pose a direct security threat to Steam users.
Where Did the Leak Come From?
While Steam itself remains uncompromised, the source of the leaked SMS data is still unclear. Some speculate that a third-party service handling Steam’s authentication messages may have been targeted. Companies like Twilio, which provide SMS-based authentication services, were initially suspected, but Twilio has denied any involvement. Valve continues to investigate how this data ended up online.
What Should Steam Users Do?
Even though this incident does not require immediate action, it serves as a reminder to strengthen account security. Here are some steps you can take:
- Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator instead of relying on SMS-based 2FA.
- Check your authorized devices to ensure no unauthorized logins.
- Use a strong, unique password and consider a password manager for added security.
Final Thoughts
While the Steam hack scare turned out to be a false alarm, it highlights the importance of cybersecurity in gaming. With millions of accounts at stake, staying vigilant and proactive about security is always a good idea.
Until next time, stay sharp and keep gaming.
Panda out.
Sources:
- Steam Denied the Account Hack, User Accounts Have Not Been Compromised
- Hacker advertises alleged database of 89 million Steam 2FA codes, source of leak unknown
- Valve breaks silence on Steam hack reports claiming to impact 89 million accounts
- No, Steam wasn’t hacked — but your security habits still matter
Brad12345678 said,
May 18, 2025 @ 4:56 pm
Good advice!