Sony has added support for two-factor authentication to its PlayStation Network accounts, and you really should set it up now, rather than after someone tries to take over your account or steal your password.

To set up the new security feature, turn on your PS4 and go to Settings -> PlayStation Network Account Management -> Account Information -> Security -> 2-Step Verification. You can also set it up through the Web by logging into your PSN account on the Web and going through the Security tab under the Account header. From there, on-screen instructions will walk you through the process of using a text message to confirm your mobile device as a secondary layer of security for your PSN account. Two-factor support is not available when logging on to older PlayStation systems, so Sony recommends you generate a "device setup password" to help protect the PS3, Vita, or PSP.

The addition of two-factor support comes five years after PSN was hit by multiple, high-profile hacks, which compromised many accounts and led to a $17.75 million settlement with the victims. Two-factor authentication was far from standard back then (though some game companies had it), but even today there are plenty of reports of PSN accounts being compromised, and getting charges reversed and access fixed with Sony is not always simple.

Given all that, you really shouldn't wait for the worst to happen before upping your PSN account security. Go do it now. Really, you're not doing anything else, are you? There'll be time to read more of Ars Technica's excellent tech news coverage when you get back, we promise. Don't regret it later, take the time now!

Go!