The security breach on the Playstation Network in the last month took a lot of gamers by surprise, and left them wondering what else they had lost besides their access to the online console gaming system. As part of Sony’s apology for the breach, the company admitted that they could not rule out the possibility that credit card data would have been stolen by the hackers.

The online security experts at Lookup.com have recently issued their guidelines for people whose access to the network was affected by the hack, and for online security in general; at a time when people are likely to be extra conscious of the threat of online hacking, access to this important information is something that will be highly valued. Among their advice is the following.

• Changing passwords. Many of us have become used to using the same password for literally everything, because it is convenient. However, it is also markedly less secure. Even if you want to use broadly the same password for everything, try changing a letter or a digit between different services, and also changing on all your accounts at least once a month.
• Contact your card issuer. If there is a chance that the security of your card has been compromised, there is no point taking risks with it. Have a new card issued; it shouldn’t cost anything and will prevent thieves using your details.
• Treat emails with extreme skepticism. If an email comes through asking you for personal details to aid security on your account, or for any other reason, report it as spam and do not reply. Never send important detail in email.