Button Up Your EA Account Security And Get A Free Month Of Origin Access With These Simple Steps
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible is generally recommended—it helps keeps the hackers at bay, even if your password has been compromised. Better security is a reward in and of itself. Electronic Arts is taking things a step further, though, by gifting a free month of Origin Access who lock down their EA accounts with 2FA.
The publisher calls this "Login Verification," but it's the same as any typical 2FA scenario—when you log into your account, EA will send a unique code to your preferred email address, or via text message to your mobile device. You can also opt to receive an automated phone call. Whatever the case might be, that additional step is required to gain access to your account.
It is an extra step beyond just punching in a password, and inherently less convenient. However, 2FA makes it trickier (though not impossible) for a hacker to gain unauthorized access to your account. So, it's a good idea to enable 2FA when you can, particularly on your more important accounts (like banking websites).
EA's proposition is simple—enable 2FA on your Origin account by the end of October (which is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month), and your account will not only be better protected, you will also be comped a month of Origin Access Basic at no cost. If you are already a member of Origin Access Premier, you will get a free month of the Premier tier instead.
How To Enable Two-Factor Authentication On Your EA Account
Turning on 2FA is easy. Here's how to do it...
- Go to your EA Account Security settings.
- Under Login Verification, click Turn On.
- Choose a method to receive a code, and then wait for it to arrive (should only take a few seconds). Use that code to activate Login Verification.
That's all there is to it. EA says your free month of Origin Access will start on or after November 1, noting that "if you don't get your free month right away, pleas wait a few days." Just be sure to cancel before the subsequent month begins, unless you want to continue your membership.
Origin Access Basic runs $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year and offers access and evolving collection of games (currently at 229), along 10-hour trials to upcoming games and 10 percent off Origin purchases. The Premier tier costs $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year and includes a larger selection of games and unrestricted access to upcoming games.
