Users of the PlayStation 4 on Reddit warn others about a malicious message that causes the console to stop functioning properly. However, there seems to be a way to protect oneself from this glitch.
As some Reddit users report, there is currently a malicious private message circulating that automatically “bricks” the corresponding PS4 console when viewed, rendering it unusable.
What is “Bricking”? Bricking essentially means that the device in question is turned into a brick – a worthless block. The firmware on an expensive electronic device such as a mobile phone, PC, or gaming console can be rendered unusable by a code exploiting a vulnerability in the respective software.
The device then fails to start or simply freezes. In this state, the hardware serves as nothing more than a dust collector. Often, this state cannot be resolved using normal methods, such as by using a backup.
Glitch forces numerous PS4 users to factory reset
Glitch forces console reset: According to the affected Reddit users, this state cannot currently be resolved by restarting or clearing the cache and forces PS4 players into a factory reset.
Resetting the console to factory settings is currently the only way to get an affected PS4 running again.
Receiving the message may already be enough: Compounding the issue is that one apparently does not even necessarily have to open the message for it to unleash its malicious effect.
Reports suggest that in some cases it suffices to receive the notification of a new message on the console – depending on how much of the malicious code is displayed. Even deleting the message later with the mobile PlayStation app seems to be ineffective.
How PS4 users can protect themselves from the malicious glitch
The glitch has already been reported to Sony by numerous users – an official statement and solution to the problem is still pending.
How to protect your PS4: The only known way to currently protect oneself from receiving this message seems to be setting the message settings of your PSN account to private. While this will prevent you from receiving messages from unknown users, it will also stop the receipt of the malicious message.
As a PS4 user reported on Reddit, this message crashed all PS4 consoles of his entire team while playing Rainbow Six: Siege – except for one player whose message settings were set to private. According to the user’s account, the message came from one of the opponents.
How to set your messages to private: Message settings are buried deep in the settings options. Here’s how to access them:
- Go to the Settings menu on your PS4
- Then select Account Management
- Next, go to Privacy Settings
- There, select Personal Info / Messaging
- Finally, select Messages
- Choose “Friends Only” or, if you want to be completely safe, “No One” and confirm your choice
