Can Someone Hack Your Steam Account if You Friend Them?

No, simply having someone on your Steam friends list does not inherently grant them any access or ability to hack into your account.

However, there are ways that friended accounts can be exploited or used as entry points to execute common Steam hacking methods. This article written by a long-time Steam gamer will provide one of the most comprehensive guides on securing your account, how hackers target them, and what to do if your account gets compromised.

An Inside Look: How Hackers Break Into Steam Accounts

While having someone on your friend list doesn‘t just let them walk right in, crafty hackers use social engineering tricks and malware to turn "friends" into opportunities. According to AtlasVPN, a shocking 77,000 Steam accounts get hacked every month. Here‘s what gamers are up against:

Phishing Links

• Hackers often compromise legitimate accounts and impersonate friends
• Fake messages with phishing links are sent redirecting to credential-stealing Steam login page copies
• 15% of malware links sent on Discord are Steam credential phishing scams
• These pages capture passwords when victims try logging in, granting full account access

Malware Downloads

• Malware bundled as cracks, cheats, skins, mods, game files allow remote account access
• 63% of gamers don‘t check file sources; malware often evades antivirus detection
• Keylogger viruses record account passwords and login credentials typed
• Once installed, malware can fully compromise a system and connected Steam account

Credential Stuffing

• Billions of stolen usernames/passwords leaked on the dark web
• Automated credential stuffing programs check billions of account/password combinations on Steam
• Only takes minutes to check massive databases against Steam login pages
• Using leaked, reused passwords leaves accounts highly vulnerable

Account Theft

• Accessing an unlocked computer already logged into Steam allows instant account access
• Lost or stolen laptops with remembered Steam sessions open doors for advanced hackers
• Devices and sessions left logged in at internet cafes or friend‘s houses carry risk
• Getting past Steam Guard mobile authentication is then the only hurdle left

Securing Your Account Like Fort Knox: 9 Must-Follow Tips

Gabe Newell I‘m sure prefers users don‘t have their collections of Steam games stolen. So while no security is impenetrable, treating your account like a bank vault can thwart many attempted break-ins:

Use Randomly Generated Passwords

• Unique passwords across all accounts prevent domino account breaches
• Random password generators create uncrackable codes like "Jov!a3|2epG+4U"
• Arrange 2-factor authentication recovery codes if forgetting complex passwords

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (Steam Guard)

• Adds a second login step requiring a code from your phone
• Massively decreases unauthorized login risk should your password leak
• Backup recovery codes allow restoring access if you lose your mobile device

Monitor Your Login Notifications

• Check notifications under Account Details > Recent Activity
• Scour for unfamiliar access locations like "Russia" or "China"
• Change password immediately if unknown logins appear

Vet Friends & Strangers Carefully

• Decline friend requests from shady looking accounts with limited histories
• Avoid clicking links or running software from random Steam friends
• Comments with website links are often comment spam to spread malware

Triple Check Downloads & Mods

• Ensure download sources reputable before running executables
• Scan files from unknown sources with multiple antivirus engines via virustotal.com
• "Cracked" software or "cheat" programs likely malware to steal wallet funds

Unique Account Email Just For Steam

• Keep Steam account on an email only used for gaming purposes
• If Steam email credentials leak, damage is limited without compromising primary address
• Avoid using public emails with poor security like Mail.com or Hotmail

Deauthorize Other Devices Frequently

• Check devices linked under Account Details > Manage Devices
• Deauthorize unfamiliar device logins that could be compromised systems
• Reduce risk should aheuristic get cookie logged-in access on another computer

Use a Gaming VPN to Mask IP Address

• VPN encryption hides actual IP address shown in recently played server lists
• Prevent exposing home IP that could be used as vector for targeted attacks
• CyberGhost and ExpressVPN ranked best VPNs for Steam in independent tests

Avoid Account Sharing or Reusing Passwords

• Sharing accounts or passwords across sites leads to cascade account breaches
• Game sharing programs retaining login credentials put accounts at high risk
• Password manager apps like 1Password allow using unique yet easily remembered passwords

Total Meltdown: What To Do If Your Account Gets Hacked

If you notice shady new logins, items missing from your inventory, sudden VAC bans, or other red flag activity – your account may be compromised. Immediately change your password even if hackers still maintain access to prevent further damage. Then enact these steps:

• Reset password a second time once unauthorized access denied to ensure full lockout
• Deauthorize all devices under Account Details to terminate all remote sessions
• Delete and block added "friends" that may have initiated social engineering
• Contact Steam Support via help ticket to report unauthorized changes for investigation
• Submit proof of ownership to prove account ownership for recovery
• Check email address linked to Steam for forwarding filters secretly stealing messages
• Run antivirus scans to check for keyloggers or other viruses enabling the breach
• Enable enhanced Steam Guard with 2-way authentication requiring a code from your phone to hinder any further intrusion attempts should the hacker regain entry

Steam Support generally restores compromised accounts if submitted with evidence from the original owner. Still expect loss of inventory items traded away – Support can‘t duplicate or remove items from other accounts that bought them to prevent fraud.

Steam Account Security Wrap Up

To conclude, getting social engineered by a Steam friend won‘t inherently grant account access to a hacker. However, compromised buddy accounts often initiate the first contact through scam links to ultimately steal your credentials via malware or phishing.

Yet while hijacking methods grow more advanced, so too do Steam‘s security capabilities allowing users to protect accounts – if properly enabled. Like guarding valuables in a safe deposit box, making use of Steam‘s tools like 2-way authentication effectively foils most criminal capers.

So don‘t let the legions of shady cyber-goons win. Take the advice outlined here to lock down your Steam account like a digital fortress. Game on safely!

Steam account security guide written by Travis Mills – Longtime Steam gamer and editor for GameInformer magazine