Minecraft Hackers Post A Whole Bunch Of Nonpublic Login Details Online
Microsoft was left in a state of dismay at Christmas, when its Xbox One service was infiltrated by hackers, and now its experiencing the same issue.
The reports on a German website claim that a list of 1,800 Microsoft owned Minecraft usernames and passwords have been released online.
With these details A security expert warns that hackers could gain access to accounts, change settings and buy virtual items.
The hack was revealed by Heise Online, and many of the verified accounts (selection pictured) are believed to belong to German gamers. It is unclear how the hackers gained access on the credentials, however security analyst Graham Cluely wrote : 'Possibilities include malware, phishing attacks or even a security breach'
Heise Online reported the hack and many of the verified accounts are believed to be belonging to German gamers.
It's not clear how the hackers gained access on the credentials, however security analyst Graham Cluely wrote on the Hot for Security blog: The possibilities range from simple phishing attack to keylogging malware that steals player's information as they sign into the game, or even an attack on Minecraft itself.
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"Let's hope that it's not the last one, since the game has more than 100 million registered players.
MailOnline was informed by an Microsoft spokesperson that they were able to confirm that there was no Mojang.net services were compromised.
"Normal procedures for dealing with situations like this were put in place to reset passwords for the tiny number of affected accounts.'
Minecraft was founded in 2009.
A player is placed in the "virtually infinite" game world at the beginning of the game.
To build cities and towns players are provided with blocks and tools.
The game was initially developed for the PC but there are now Xbox 360 and mobile versions available.'
The hack isn't huge in comparison to the number of registered users.
However, Mr Cluely pointed out that unauthorised users could make use of the exposed email addresses or passwords to login to other gamesworlds, and download the full game, which is normally available for EUR19.95 Euros ($26.95 or PS17.95).
Furthermore the cybercriminal once they have access to an individual's email address, they can use it hack other accounts, send spam, or spread malware.
Cluely added that there is no guarantee that the hacker who is responsible for this list doesn't have more cash. Roof is on fire
Microsoft purchased Mojang in September in a deal said to be worth $2.5 billion (PS1.5 billion).
The game is available on PCs and Androids, iOS, Windows Phone and Windows Phone. It also is compatible with consoles like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
However the Microsoft spokesman told MailOnline that there was no evidence that the Mojang.net service was compromised. While the number of details revealed is not that big compared to the game's 100,000,000 users and players, Mr Cluely stated that there is no guarantee that the hacker that released the current list had more information in their back pockets'.
At the start of the game, a character is placed in a 'virtually infinite game world.' The player is then able to explore various terrains, such as mountains, forests, and caves.
More than 16,645,000 players have bought the game to date it's an online phenomenon.
There are YouTube channels that teach people how to play the game, and in same cases make owners enough money from advertising to quit their job.
