The internet was set ablaze a short time ago with numerous reports about Xbox Live accounts being hacked by the hacker group LulzSec, who have been in the new as of late. These reports are spawned by many sites not doing their homework. Yesterday LulzSec released a text file with 62,000+ email addresses and passwords to undisclosed accounts. The group didn’t mention where the account info was from, but it’s more then likely from one of their recent hacks against such companies as Sony BMG.
Again Xbox Live was NOT hacked by the group(at least not yet, as it’s always possible) but the issue is that people with this file have been going to sites and services like Xbox Live and trying the email and password combination in the file. And because MANY people use the same password for multiple accounts people are gaining access to other people’s Xbox Live accounts. But the thing is this isn’t only an issue with Xbox Live, people could technically gain access to any account that uses the email/password combos on that list.
So don’t worry unless you are in that very small group of emails on the text file right now you are fine. However with all the recent hacks occurring I can’t stress enough that everyone should CHANGE their passwords, and they now more then ever need to create unique passwords for each and every online account.
Once again LulzSec DID NOT hack Xbox Live, and MANY gaming sites are just stirring a very volatile pot!
Oh and don’t just take my word, but Here are some tweets from Major Nelson and Septo
Major Nelson, tweeted:
I am seeing concern that Xbox LIVE is compromised. So far All we’ve seen is a random list of emails. Nothing indicating a breach.
Stephen Toulouse’s tweet:
well, so far people are reporting on a random list of emails passed around the internet. Dunno the source. could be phishing.
Toulouse,also then said:
we do take the security of our service seriously and work on an ongoing basis to improve it against evolving threats.
