Security Alert: Phishing Attempts on Xbox 360

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Xbox gamers: don’t point and laugh at your PSN friends just yet.

While PSN is struggling with their own woes in terms of hacking, compromised data and other security issues, Xbox is hitting its own patch of bumpy road. It looks like an attempted phishing scheme was launched sometime late last week, but it’s exclusive to the Xbox 360 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

While the issue is not as widespread and vast as Sony’s gigantic hiccup, Microsoft is telling users to be alert, but not alarmed.

“Users may receive potential phishing attempts via title specific messaging while playing Modern Warfare 2. We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.”

A patch for this nefarious phishing attempt is currently in the work and being tested, according to Robert Bowling, creative strategist at the game’s development company, Infinity Ward.

If there ever was a time to remain on alert, it’s now.

The original source of the information came from the Microsoft Xbox support, which you can view here. Users may experience difficulties searching for Web pages on Xbox.com, a problem Xbox states they are aware of and are working to resolve. Users will also receive a specific phishing message while playing MW2. Microsoft suggests being vigilant during playtime.

As a reminder, neither Microsoft nor Xbox will ask you for your Windows Live ID password via e-mail, instant messenger, or the phone.

Microsoft and Xbox have issued information to gamers on how to protect their online information and point out that if your Xbox Live account has been compromised, you should contact Xbox Support immediately.

Microsoft is being diligent about their security in light of Sony’s PSN network woes. It seems as though another data breach has been discovered with Sony Entertainment Online and it’s not looking any prettier than its previous data breach incident.

Hackers may have stolen the personal information of 24.6 million Sony Online Entertainment users, the company said on Monday. More than 20,000 credit card and bank account numbers were also put at risk.

“We are today advising you that the personal information you provided us in connection with your SOE account may have been stolen in a cyberattack,” Sony wrote in a statement on its website on Monday.

The disturbing news comes not even a week after Sony learned that user information had been stolen from its PlayStation Network, only after which the company belatedly told their users that the breach occurred. The service has been down since April 20.




Michelle Amodio is a TechZone360 contributor. She has helped promote companies and groups in all industries, from technology to banking to professional roller derby. She holds a bachelor's degree in Writing from Endicott College and currently works in marketing, journalism, and public relations as a freelancer.

Edited by Jennifer Russell
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