Due in part to unspecified social engineering tricks, a number of "high profile" Xbox Live accounts belonging to Microsoft employees have been hacked. Microsoft has confirmed this attack which apparently makes use of Social Security numbers and some clever tricks to scam the information.
Keep in mind that while Microsoft does not use Social Security numbers for Xbox Live, other companies do. Though the exact methods are unclear, the hackers used the SSN to gather information from other companies which they were then able to use to take over the Xbox Live accounts for these Microsoft employees.
A Microsoft representative issued the following statement on the matter.
As of right now, only a handful of accounts have been compromised, which includes both current and former Microsoft employees. The affected accounts were taken over and often times sold off to other parties.
(via The Verge)
Keep in mind that while Microsoft does not use Social Security numbers for Xbox Live, other companies do. Though the exact methods are unclear, the hackers used the SSN to gather information from other companies which they were then able to use to take over the Xbox Live accounts for these Microsoft employees.
A Microsoft representative issued the following statement on the matter.
"We are aware that a group of attackers are using several stringed social engineering techniques to compromise the accounts of a handful of high-profile Xbox LIVE accounts held by current and former Microsoft employees. We are actively working with law enforcement and other affected companies to disable this current method of attack and prevent its further use. Security is of critical importance to us and we are working every day to bring new forms of protection to our members."
As of right now, only a handful of accounts have been compromised, which includes both current and former Microsoft employees. The affected accounts were taken over and often times sold off to other parties.
(via The Verge)
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