Microsoft was left red-faced after its Xbox One service was hacked by hackers over Christmas. Now, it's confronted with the same issue.
According to reports, according to reports, a German website published the list of 1,800 Microsoft Minecraft usernames and passwords online.
If they have access to these information, a security expert warns that hackers could gain access to accounts, change settings and buy virtual items.
The hack was reported by Heise Online, and many of the verified accounts (selection pictured) are believed to be belonging to German gamers. Although it's not certain how the hackers gained the credentials security analyst Graham Cluely stated that there are many possibilities. This includes phishing attacks and malware as well as a security breach.
Heise Online reported the hack and a large portion of the verified accounts are believed be belonging to German gamers.
It is unclear how the hackers managed to get their hands on the credentials, but security analyst Graham Cluely wrote on the Hot for Security blog: The possibilities range from simple phishing attack to keylogging malware that steals players' details as they log into the game, or even a security breach in Minecraft itself.
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Let's hope that this isn't the last time - as the game has over 100 million registered users.'
However an Microsoft spokesperson told MailOnline"We can confirm that there was not a Mojang.net service was compromised.
"Normal procedures" in the industry were developed to handle situations like this. They were used to reset passwords for a limited number of affected accounts.
Minecraft was created in 2009.
At the start of the game, the player is put into a 'virtually infinite game world.'
Players are provided with blocks and tools for building towns and cities.
Although the original game was intended for the PC but there are now mobile versions and Xbox 360.
Based on the huge number of registered users, the hack is relatively small.
However, Mr. Cluely noted that unauthorized users could use the exposed passwords or email addresses to log in to other people's gameworlds and also download the full game which is typically available for EUR19.95 Euros ($26.95 / PS17.95).
Cybercriminals can also get access to an individual's email address to hack other accounts or send malware, or even send spam.
Cluely added that there's no guarantee that the hacker who is responsible for this list doesn't possess more money.
Microsoft bought Mojang in September in a deal that was said to be worth $2.5 billion (PS1.5 billion).
The game is accessible on PCs, Android, iOS and Windows Phone, as well as games consoles including the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
MailOnline was assured by an Microsoft spokesperson that there was no evidence that Mojang.net services were compromised. While the number of details released is small when compared to the game's 100,000,000,000 users, Mr. Cluely declared that there's no guarantee that the hacker that published the list of details did not have additional information in their back pockets'.
A player is thrown into a virtual infinite world at the start of the game. NBJYXSPA.COM can then explore various terrains, such as mountains, forests, and caves.
More than 16,645,000 people have bought the game so far it's an online phenomenon.
There are YouTube channels dedicated to showing people how to play the game, which also earn owners enough money from advertising to quit their jobs.