Microsoft 'enhances' Xbox Live security

[garyopa]

Urges password updates...



Microsoft has added security improvements to Xbox Live. General Manager Alex Garden, suggests everyone update their passwords.

Xbox LIVE General Manager Alex Garden has detailed a range of "improvements" made to the XBOX Live service in order to protect we would-be victims.

He has also suggested that all XBL users update their passwords.

“I encourage everyone to take five minutes today to check your security information and update it if necessary,” he said. “If you have any lost or stolen security proofs, update them now to prevent any interruptions to your Xbox Live service in the future. We only use this information for your security, and never for marketing or advertising.”

“The Internet has transformed the way we purchase goods and services and added layers of convenience to our lives,” Garden continued. “Yet, disappointingly, online fraud increasingly victimizes millions of unsuspecting consumers each year.

“That is why our resolve at Microsoft to battle fraud and our commitment to account security is stronger than ever. I hope you’ll take a few moments to protect your account today.”

Here's what they've done in order to keep you 'safe':

- We’ve taken legal action to pull down online posts of gamertags, usernames and passwords gathered from malware or phishing schemes to help protect our members.

- Our Xbox LIVE Spring update included many behind the scenes improvements that help us build on security enhancements for the near future.

- We’re sending unique codes to the security phone numbers and secondary email addresses provided by members to verify authorization for Xbox.com purchases or account change attempts not stemming from a member’s trusted device.

- We’re working to reduce market incentives for criminal activity. Engaging in identity theft, trading in stolen accounts and committing credit card fraud are illegal and violate our Terms of Use. Those involved in these activities risk criminal prosecution, account and console bans. That goes for both sellers and buyers of known stolen accounts and content.

There you go. Better do as he said, so you don't troubles in the future.

Check out the full article at his blog on XBOX below!

NEWS SOURCE #1: Security Letter (via) Xbox Forums
NEWS SOURCE #2: Microsoft enhances Xbox Live security (via) CVG

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news item!

[wewii]

Good job Microsoft.

Learning good lessons from Sony's mistakes

[Battlefield]

Good job Microsoft.

Learning good lessons from Sony's mistakes

I wonder if Sony learned from Sony's big last year mistakes? After all, they tried to pretend 2 months downtime was something people wouldnt notice..DOH.
The downtime week, their major online game Socom 4 was released..lol.. and MAG wasnt old either. MAG supported 256 players online which is nice, but you are lucky if you can find 25 people in total on all servers combined..lol
The downtime killed of the online community for these 2 major online games. I own both myself, but i bought them in a bargain bin last year of course. I didnt wanna spend alot of money on 2 online games with barely any community. Sony have even closed Zipper which made their 2 online flagship games.