http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/ Engadget Comments for Halo celeb victim of repeated account hacks, Xbox Live "customer support" http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 10:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/

the "hacking" oh please, i figured engadget to be more savvy on issues like this, i even know how its done.

all you do is call up Xboxlive and say, hey my brother did this or that or some BS story. tell them you forgot all this other info to deal with the account you "lost". naturally, you will get people who wont give you any of the info to recover and account onto your xbox. but their is some who will hand over small bits of that info. so 2-5 dozen calls later you just might have a new Xbox account


yeah, engadget "hacking"? i thought you would understand fraud and lying better then these 12 year old kids.]]>Dec 31st 2007 11:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
Yes, the proper term would technically be "Pre-Texting" or "Social Engineering". However, technically, they is accessing a network (Xbox Live Customer Support) and performing a security bypass (exploiting the staff), to gain access to account information which can be used to steal identities, fraud, etc. etc. Which could easily be described as hacking.

When we posted the news on our forums he had "hacking" mentioned a few times, and as such, it has been labeled as that despite us later learning that he simply called Xbox Live and was given the account information.

What is sad and scary is that anyone can pull of this technique with Live Support, whereas at least technical hacking would require some knowledge/ability.]]>Dec 31st 2007 11:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 12:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
1 thing that is good about this, the publicity. maybe bungie/microsoft will change things so this will happen less.


anyway, i dont know the details but you can change your accounts name. seems like a shitty alternative, but hey look at the times we live in identity theft and credit card fraud are apparently rampant]]>Dec 31st 2007 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/

if you think im referring to the cereal guy, maybe google the name and term]]>Dec 31st 2007 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
More like phishing I think, or even confidence tricking...]]>Dec 31st 2007 1:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
That's not to say "social engineering" isn't used at all. However, it's often used with already having a lot of info about the person. Between MySpace, Facebook, and various forums, it's easy for people to get enough info to the point where all they need is the answer to your password change "secret question." Even that can often be found, as many people and pros keep a blog with some tidbits of personal info that may be useful.

As a result, my suggestion is that if you're either: high ranked, well known, pro or semi-pro, or participating in Halo-based forums where you have the potential to piss people off, be extremely careful with your account info. Use an email address that you don't use for anything else and no one knows exists. Use a different password than what you've used elsewhere. Consider registering the account using information that is not your own, such as a family member or relative given that you have their permission.

I don't approve of account stealing or go out of my way to associate with the people who do it. But like a lot of people who played Halo 2 for a while, especially those who played competitively, you stumble across a lot of different people involved in a lot of different things. In fact, pretty much everything I just said could be picked up by listening to conversations and comments made in various MLG FFA games given you played a lot of FFA and played with tons of different people so long as you could get a game.

Anyways, it's good to know what's going on and I highly suggest taking my advice about protecting your account if you're in position where you're at risk.]]>Dec 31st 2007 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/That's ironic because everyone I know in the phreaking and hacking community is ashamed of crunch.
I sat next to him for a bit at the last hope. Couldn't figure out how to use his cell phone. His friend/boy toy ("maybe google it..") had to show him how to use it.
I would agree there are times when it's worth arguing the put forth definition of hacked or hacking. You know, when it's blatant. When the news reports about the man who "hacked the cafe's wireless". When really all he did was connect to the open AP from his car as opposed to inside the cafe.
This, is not one of those occasions. Write the places that print stories like one above when you see them if it really bothers you.]]>Jan 9th 2008 2:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
I don't like the part about them being able to get my credit card and personal info.]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 10:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
0 to 4? or maybe 5?

But seriously, these guys that are trying to steal his account info are complete jerks. Is it not possible to change his password to be a super long and completely random series of numbers, letters, sign language, and squirrel noises (Dilbert reference)?

Also, isn't it possible to change his account info so that the people at Bungie don't give any information to ANYONE? All it would take is a simple attached note saying, "Don't give anyone information on this account." It would suck if he ever lost his password, but it's gotta be a little more secure.]]>Dec 31st 2007 11:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
He may lose his super rare armor.

Oh, and credit card info and persona details...

But think of the armor!]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
But if one of them takes my Horse Armor, then there will be hell to pay...]]>Dec 31st 2007 1:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 10:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
Does Joystiq post Asus Eee PC news for its readers?
]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 11:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Seriously you're playing fugging halo deathmatch or whatever, you're gonna go up to your opponent and look at him and hope he doesn't shoot you in the face?
This whole armor thing is gay.
Get over it. If this guy is so "famous" then Bungie can remove the armor on his hacked account and give him the armor on his new account.]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 6:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1006850/worst_halo_suicide_ever_i_got_recon_armor_for_this/]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 10:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 11:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 12:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 12:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 12:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/I will now take XBOX live of my list of 'Seven Things Microsoft Ever Did Right'
~ubuntu user]]>Dec 31st 2007 3:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
7??? Help me I've run out of versions of Xbox (-Live) when I tried to compile your list...
]]>Dec 31st 2007 10:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
Seriously, I feel with you, Skylus. Losing your account information and financial details must be horrible! I lost my Visa once, and lost the entire months wage. I really hope you make it through this with no financial consequences.]]>Dec 31st 2007 12:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 12:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 1:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
id expect that kind of blind judgment from an apple/ipod person not an xboxlive person... oh wait, i forgot it typically the same kind of people]]>Dec 31st 2007 1:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 1:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 2:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 10:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 10:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 1:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
DWells55, I’m not mad or jealous. I do play halo3 sometimes and I do get a major woopass from time to time. Why ruin the fun game like halo3 with petty jealousy. If you think about it, then it’s probably something you feel.
]]>Dec 31st 2007 4:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 5:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/Dec 31st 2007 8:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
Skyllus, if you didn't deserve the armor for getting killed, you deserve it for your good humor in the face of people worldwide seeing this happen. Anyone hacking your account (or anyone else's) is a coward and deserves jail time to learn some perspective. And thanks for being open about this problem. Now, as a result of this, I'm going to go renew my account with a prepaid account card, and hopefully get my credit card number removed or suppressed. ]]>Jan 1st 2008 2:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/
@drakono thanks for linking up the video - LOL]]>Jan 1st 2008 12:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/halo-celeb-victim-of-repeated-account-hacks-xbox-live-customer/I’m sorry if I offended you in anyway. Let me offer you one year free webhosting solution including some limited support. If you’re interested contact me at our IRC channel, #mafiabrotherz @quakenet.org IRC servers. You'll have to proof your identity. Good luck in the future.]]>Jan 5th 2008 7:32PM