Microsoft is investigating problems with gamers being booted off Xbox Live by malicious hackers.
Hackers are using data flooding tools in revenge attacks on fellow Xbox gamers. Chris Boyd, director of malware research at Facetime Communications told BBC News: "There's been a definite increase in the amount of people talking about and distributing these things over the last three to four weeks."
"The smart thing about these Xbox tools is that they do not attack the Xbox Live network itself," Boyd said, noting that the hackers are able to identify the IP address of the Xbox 360 hosting a game, then hit it with a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.
Data flooding woes
Boyd explains that hackers "get your IP address, put it in the booter tool and they attempt to flood the port that uses Xbox traffic. Flooding that port prevents any traffic getting out."
Microsoft said in a statement: "We are investigating reports involving the use of malicious software tools that an attacker could use to try and disrupt an Xbox LIVE player's internet connection."
"This problem is not related to the Xbox Live service, but to the player's internet connection. The attacker could also attempt [to] disrupt other internet activities, such as streaming video or web browsing, using the same tools."
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
lfc
February 24th
5. i think xbox should of got with norton 360 and made a security that covered the xbox for 12months so things like this would'nt happen because the xbox is basically a pc.
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adrenalin3
February 23rd
4. 'tell Microsoft to take a chill pill'
Well as one of the millions who pay for the service, I expect a high level of service. At least they are looking out for their customers.
Take a chill pill? Where would i get those? Sony?
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blakkbart
February 21st
3. The beauty is that before someone does a DoS they typically hint that their going to do it while in the game. Then when you sign back into Xbox Live you can get all your mates to report them and then ultimately they get banned.
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southwoodsw
February 21st
2. Question? Why can't people just grow up and stop being stupid. And to those of you who kick their can every time those kids play, more power to you when your DoS is over.
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rttech82
February 21st
1. LOL< tell Microsoft to take a chill pill.
RT
www.anonymity.eu.tc
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