Microsoft has acknowledged the spate of attacks against Xbox gamers. The boss of Xbox Live promises aggressive action against cybercriminals targeting gamers for millions of pounds.
In an open letter to Xbox Live users, Xboss Alex Garden assured gamers, "We take your security and online safety very seriously." Acknowledging that account hacking is a thriving business, he promises "aggressive steps to help protect you against ever-changing threats".
Microsoft also promises to improve the rate at which it sorts out compromised accounts, claiming hacked accounts can now be investigated and returned in three days.
The letter doesn't specifically mention recent cases of cybercriminals tricking users into spending money on achievements, with much attention centred on FIFA 12.
Microsoft highlights the tips at xbox.com/security to avoid common methods for compromising accounts, such as phishing (tricking the user into entering their details into a fake website), spyware and malware (software that records a user's password) or simply trying the same password from another online service that has been breached separately.
That last point highlights the importance of using unique passwords for your different accounts. You don't want all your accounts compromised just because your PlayStation Network password was stolen.
A repeat of the infamous Sony PlayStation Network hack is the worst-case scenario for Xbox Live and other services. The PSN was cracked by hackers and personal details of over 70 million gamers were half-inched, leaving the network closed for over a month as Sony desperately scrabbled to work out what happened and close the loophole.
So far Xbox Live hasn't been directly hacked like PSN was, but that's not to say no-one's trying. And meanwhile hackers continue to crack individual gamers' accounts. Be careful out there, guys!
Have you ever been hacked? What extra steps do you take to ensure you're secure? Tell us in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 6
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Jimboo 9 February, 2012 16:28
They're not hacks! Xbox live has not been 'hacked'.
Rich Trenholm 9 February, 2012 17:57
You're right Jimboo, as we point out in the story. Xbox Live itself hasn't been hacked, but Xbox Live gamers are being specifically targetted by hackers
anonymous 9 February, 2012 23:00
This is a LIE. It took them over 5 months to restore my account, and that was just 2 days ago.
shauney3 10 February, 2012 09:56
They already got my details from my PSN hack anyway =P
anonymous 11 February, 2012 20:45
That's what you get for buying a console... PC gaming rules
anonymous 15 February, 2012 13:57
Steam for the PC was hacked as well... Whenever you enter your credit card, you're facing some kind of risk regardless of where that is.