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 the hacking problems it has been having lately, as I was one of the players who lost 14 years of progression when it just went into the dumps. The support team just gave them access to it based on the emails I received, while I was at work and didn’t notice that I lost my account.

Increase in Hacks of Call of Duty Players: What’s Happening and Activision’s Response

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

The current wave of hacks affecting Call Of Duty players include account takeovers, where hackers gain unauthorized access to player accounts, often leading to the loss of game progress, items and even financial information. Players have reported being locked out of their accounts, having their account information changed, and witnessing unauthorized purchases made using the associated payment methods.

This increase in the number of hacking incidents is attributed to several factors:

1. Increased popularity: The popularity of Call Of Duty, especially with titles like Warzone, means it’s a bigger target for hackers.
2. Phishing and social engineering: Hackers use advanced phishing techniques to trick players into giving away their login details.
3. Weak security measures: Some critics argue that Activision’s current security measures are inadequate to handle the sophisticated methods used by modern hackers.

Activision’s response

Activision has acknowledged the increase in hacking incidents and has taken several steps to address the issue. The company’s response includes both short-term and long-term strategies aimed at improving security and protecting player accounts.

1. Enhanced account security: Activision has introduced mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) for all Call Of Duty accounts. This extra layer of security requires players to verify their identity through a secondary device, making it more challenging for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
2. Phishing awareness campaigns: The company has launched educational campaigns to make players aware of the dangers of phishing and social engineering. These campaigns aim to educate players on how to recognize suspicious emails and links that could compromise the security of their account.
3. 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 behavior indicative of hacking. This proactive approach aims to identify and neutralize threats before they can cause significant damage.
4. Support and recovery: For players already affected by hacks, Activision has streamlined its support processes to speed account recovery. The company has expanded its customer support team and introduced a more efficient reporting system to handle the increased number of hacking reports.

Community response and criticism

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

Critics argue that Activision should have implemented stronger security protocols sooner, given the history of hacking in online gaming. They also call for more transparency from the company regarding the specific steps it is taking to address security concerns.

Others, on the other hand, appreciate Activision’s efforts and recognize the complexities involved in securing such a large and diverse player base. They point out that the implementation of 2FA and other security measures is an important step forward, even if more work remains to be done.

Look forward to something

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

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

As Activision continues to improve its security infrastructure, the cooperation and awareness of the gaming community will play a critical role in limiting the impact of hacks. The hope is that, through joint efforts, the gaming experience can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

By reader Kevin Cabey

Reader characteristics do not necessarily represent the opinions of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600 word read at any time, which, if used, will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you don’t need to send an email.

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