Minecraft Hackers Publish Lots Of Of Personal Login Details On-line



Microsoft was left in a state of dismay after its Xbox One service was hacked by hackers during Christmas. Now, it's facing a similar problem.



Reports on a German website claim that a list of 1,800 Microsoft-owned Minecraft usernames and passwords have been made public online.



A security expert warns that criminals could gain access to these information and could hack into accounts, change settings, or purchase virtual items.



Heise Online reported the hack and a large number of the verified accounts (selection of which are shown) are believed to belong to German gamers. Whileminecraft 's not entirely clear how the hackers obtained the credentials, security analyst Graham Cluely stated that there are many possibilities. This includes phishing attacks and malware as well as a security breach.



The hack was discovered by Heise Online, and many of the verified accounts are believed to be belonging to German gamers.



Although it's not specific how the hackers got the credentials, security analyst Graham Cluely posted on the Hot for Security blog: "Possibilities range between simple phishing attacks, keylogging Malware taking players' information as the game is logged in, or even an attack on security at Minecraft.



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Let's hope that this isn't the last time - as the game has over 100 million registered players.'



However an Microsoft spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We can confirm that no Mojang.net service was compromised.



"Normal industrial procedures" were created to deal with situations like this. They were used to reset passwords for a small number of affected accounts.



Minecraft was first created in 2009.



At the start of the game, a character is placed in a virtual infinite game world.'



To build cities and towns players are given blocks and tools.



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 appears to be small.



However, Mr Cluely said that unauthorised users could make use of the exposed passwords or email addresses to log in to other gameworlds of others and download the entire game, which is normally sold for EUR19.95 Euros ($26.95 or PS17.95).



Additionally, once a cybercriminal has access to an email address, they could make use of it to hack other accounts, send spam or spread malware.



Cluely also said that there's no assurance that the hacker behind this list doesn't have more money.



In September, Microsoft purchased Mojang for $2.5 billion (PS1.5 Billion).



The game is available on PCs, Android, iOS and Windows Phone, as well as gaming consoles, including the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.



MailOnline was confirmed by an Microsoft spokesperson that no Mojang.net services were compromised. Although the amount of released details is a small percentage of the game's 100 million players however, Mr Cluely said there is no guarantee that the hacker who released this current list has more in their back pockets'



At the beginning of the game, a character is placed in a 'virtually infinite game world.' The character can then explore different terrains, including forests, mountains, and caves.



More than 16,645,000 players have purchased the game to date, and it is an online phenomenon.



There are YouTube channels dedicated to teaching players how to play the game, and in turn, can earn the owners enough money through advertising to let them quit their jobs.