SecTor security conference about Xbox LIVE Hacking

At a session during the SecTor security conference, Chris Boyd, director of research at Facetime security labs, detailed the myriad methods by which gamers -- and in particular, Microsoft Xbox 360 users -- are under attack by cyber criminals.

"Though the Xbox doesn't have the number one market share, it is the top target for hackers," Boyd said. "Xbox Live has 17 million plus subscribers and that service requires payment."

One way that attackers enumerate their targets is by way of information that is easily publicly accessible. Xbox users gain points during gameplay, which leads to a gamerscore metric. The higher the gamerscore, the more valuable the gamer account. Boyd noted there is no easy way to keep a gamerscore private.

Once the attackers have identified their target, there are multiple methods they use to try and gain control of a user's account. One method that Boyd described is by way of social engineering, a tactic that has plagued regular consumer and enterprise users for years.

http://www.internetnews.com/security...+Xbox+Live.htm