Microsoft was left red-faced at Christmas, when its Xbox One service was infiltrated by hackers, and it is now experiencing the same issue.
According to reports on a German website claim that a list of 1,800 Microsoft owned Minecraft usernames and passwords have been published online.
With access to these details A security expert warns that hackers could gain access to accounts, change settings and even purchase virtual goods.
Heise Online reported the hack and a lot of those verified accounts (selection shown) are believed to be belonging to German gamers. Although it's not specific how the hackers got the credentials security analyst Graham Cluely stated that there are a variety of possibilities. This includes phishing attacks and malware as well as a security breach.
Heise Online reported the hack, and many of those verified accounts are believed be belonging to German gamers.
It is not known how the hackers managed to get their hands on the credentials, however security analyst Graham Cluely wrote on the Hot for Security blog: There are a variety of possibilities, from simple phishing attack to keylogging malware that steals player's details when they log into the game, or even a security breach in Minecraft itself.
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'Let's hope it's not the last one - because the game has over 100 million registered players.'
MailOnline was informed by an Microsoft spokesperson that they could confirm that there was no Mojang.net services were compromised.
"Normal industrial procedures" were created to handle situations such as this. Best minecraft servers were used to reset passwords for a limited number of affected accounts.
Minecraft was founded in 2009.
At the start of the game, the player is placed in a virtual infinite game world.'
To construct towns and cities 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.'
Based on the large number of registered users the hack appears to be small.
However, Mr Cluely pointed out that unauthorised users could make use of the exposed passwords or email addresses to log in to other gameworlds of others and download the full game which is typically sold for EUR19.95 Euros ($26.95 / PS17.95).
A cybercriminal can also access an individual's email address to hack other accounts, send malware, or even send spam.
Mr Cluely also said that there's no guarantee that the hacker who published this current list also has more in their back pocket.'
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.
However there is a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline that there was no evidence that the Mojang.net service was compromised. Although the number of released details is a small percentage of the game's 100 million users, Mr. Cluely stated that there's no guarantee the hacker who made this list has more in their pockets'
A player is placed in an infinite virtual world at the start of the game. They can then walk around different terrains, including caves, forests, and mountains.
The game is now an international phenomenon with more than 16645,000 players purchasing it.
There are YouTube channels dedicated to showing people how to play the game, which in same cases make owners enough money from advertising to quit their job.
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