Microsoft’s response to XBL Hack rumor

Microsoft has released an official response to earlier reports of the rumors that Bungie.Net was hacked and that a portion of Xbox Live was taken over. Supposedly the hack enabled gamer tags to be controlled and points can be acquired (stolen) via the hack or purchased through the controlled accounts.

A Microsoft representative said to Kotaku’s Brian Crecente that they are currently investigating concerns and that no security breach of Bungie.net or Xbox Live accounts has been found. The official response is as such:

Recently, there have been reports of fraudulent activity and account theft taking place on the Xbox LIVE network. Security is a top priority for Xbox LIVE, and we are actively investigating all reports of fraudulent behavior and theft. Any customer with a question about the security of their Xbox LIVE account should contact 1-800-4-MY-Xbox, and an Xbox Customer Service Representative will help them understand our security policies and procedures.

It can be recalled that a few days ago, Kevin Finisterre, a security researcher at Digital Munition, has claimed that from his experience with Microsoft customer support, they were “more than negligent in dealing with this issue,” and that he was on the phone with a supposed Microsoft Tech and he claims that the tech confirmed with him that “Hackers have control of Xbox live and there is nothing we can do about it.”

ZDnet’s Ryan Naraine has noted that according to Finisterre, a group called Infamous Clan is offering to hijack Xbox Live accounts and have been boasting about successful account theft. He claims that several Xbox Live users have confirmed with him that stolen accounts have been used for underhanded purposes.

Major Nelson says in his blog that despite the reports and the speculation, he would like to reassure that they have found no evidence of any compromise of the security of the Xbox Live Network or Bungie.net. He notes that there have been a few isolated incidents where malicious users have attempted to acquire the personal information of unsuspecting users and use it to gain access to their LIVE account. He says that it’s mostly been cases of identity theft, and not outright overtaking of the Xbox Live network.

Not a good rumor to spread, especially now that the Sony PS3 EU launch is looming. It’s not the hacking that hurts Microsoft here really, it’s word that their customer support has been sub-par and negligent. The good thing here is that they’ve got Major Nelson to reassure their community.

We’ll update you if more information on the matter is made available. Stay tuned.

Via Kotaku

Microsoft has released an official response to earlier reports of the rumors that Bungie.Net was hacked and that a portion of Xbox Live was taken over. Supposedly the hack enabled gamer tags to be controlled and points can be acquired (stolen) via the hack or purchased through the controlled accounts.

A Microsoft representative said to Kotaku’s Brian Crecente that they are currently investigating concerns and that no security breach of Bungie.net or Xbox Live accounts has been found. The official response is as such:

Recently, there have been reports of fraudulent activity and account theft taking place on the Xbox LIVE network. Security is a top priority for Xbox LIVE, and we are actively investigating all reports of fraudulent behavior and theft. Any customer with a question about the security of their Xbox LIVE account should contact 1-800-4-MY-Xbox, and an Xbox Customer Service Representative will help them understand our security policies and procedures.

It can be recalled that a few days ago, Kevin Finisterre, a security researcher at Digital Munition, has claimed that from his experience with Microsoft customer support, they were “more than negligent in dealing with this issue,” and that he was on the phone with a supposed Microsoft Tech and he claims that the tech confirmed with him that “Hackers have control of Xbox live and there is nothing we can do about it.”

ZDnet’s Ryan Naraine has noted that according to Finisterre, a group called Infamous Clan is offering to hijack Xbox Live accounts and have been boasting about successful account theft. He claims that several Xbox Live users have confirmed with him that stolen accounts have been used for underhanded purposes.

Major Nelson says in his blog that despite the reports and the speculation, he would like to reassure that they have found no evidence of any compromise of the security of the Xbox Live Network or Bungie.net. He notes that there have been a few isolated incidents where malicious users have attempted to acquire the personal information of unsuspecting users and use it to gain access to their LIVE account. He says that it’s mostly been cases of identity theft, and not outright overtaking of the Xbox Live network.

Not a good rumor to spread, especially now that the Sony PS3 EU launch is looming. It’s not the hacking that hurts Microsoft here really, it’s word that their customer support has been sub-par and negligent. The good thing here is that they’ve got Major Nelson to reassure their community.

We’ll update you if more information on the matter is made available. Stay tuned.

Via Kotaku