Microsoft deploys new user security features

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Microsoft has launched new features to enhance the security of Microsoft Accounts amidst growing concerns over internet privacy and government surveillance.

A new menu lets Microsoft Account users - including Xbox Live - to pull up a list of all recent account logins, with date and time, location, as well as the device and browser logged.

Successful and unsuccessful account logins are shown, including if an incorrect password was used. A 'This wasn't me' button will let you report any suspicious activity you see on the list.

The new features, which are much the same as a system used by Google accounts for some time now, are being rolled out "over the next couple of days".

This comes following fresh reports of US and UK spy agencies having assembled technology that collects data from Xbox Live a bid to uncover terrorist activities. In a statement to CVG today, Microsoft denied all knowledge of government surveillance.

The new Microsoft Account features aim to "give you more visibility and control of your Microsoft account," said Microsoft Account group program manager, Eric Doerr.

"We think about protecting accounts as a partnership between us and you - the more you help us (with accurate account info, and updated security info), the more we can help you keep your stuff safe," added Doerr.

"You know best what's been happening with your account - so the more we give you tools to understand what's happening, the better we can work together to protect your account. For example, a login from a new country might look suspicious to us, but you might know that you were simply on vacation or on a business trip."

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/441968/microsoft-deploys-new-user-security-features/

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"Microsoft deploys new user security features" :: Login/Create an Account :: 65 comments

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RealitiesPosted:

Its good they released this but would be good if they actuslly released something that was useful

ItalianPosted:

-CP
Italian
-CP
Italian
GT-R I'm sure this will be pretty useful for stopping account theft. Which I saw happen a lot on the 360.


It will, and also Email theft, I've had to reset my password once because of this, I had to reset it because it wouldn't even let me login until I did. Someone from a chinese computer logged in...


I 100% guarantee you are at fault for your issue.


Most likely, but also I don't see what it could have been. All people have to do is Bruteforce a password as long as they know the email. Facebook has my email. I mean for all I know I could give someone my email and they try and Bruteforce it, think about it...that is why Usernames are better logins and not emails I believe.


Bruteforcing cannot work efficiently if you make a strong password. Every time you login somewhere (even your home if it does not have a good password protecting your network) you risk someone seeing your information. Not to mention also if you have been key logged. The only way anyone can have their things token is if they let someone do it.


You don't know me, because I have different passwords for every single website and not PassWord1 or ItaliaN23. Mine are more complex and do not relate to me or the type of account at all. Also I just recently got internet at home, the only places I have logged in my email were my dads restaurant, phone. So I either got someone from China keylogging my dads computer or my phone was hacked. (And don't say I logged in elsewhere because I had no internet but those two locations for 4 months.) So I really do think I was not keylogged but Bruteforced somehow.

MPAAPosted:

Smoke screen guys.

This does NOTHING to prevent the criminal enterprises, sorry I mean spy agencies from snooping on your accounts, they won't be presented with a password prompt to your account when they have the raw data right in front of them!

Evo8Posted:

Maybe the paranoid people will finally calm down O.o

-CPPosted:

Italian
-CP
Italian
GT-R I'm sure this will be pretty useful for stopping account theft. Which I saw happen a lot on the 360.


It will, and also Email theft, I've had to reset my password once because of this, I had to reset it because it wouldn't even let me login until I did. Someone from a chinese computer logged in...


I 100% guarantee you are at fault for your issue.


Most likely, but also I don't see what it could have been. All people have to do is Bruteforce a password as long as they know the email. Facebook has my email. I mean for all I know I could give someone my email and they try and Bruteforce it, think about it...that is why Usernames are better logins and not emails I believe.


Bruteforcing cannot work efficiently if you make a strong password. Every time you login somewhere (even your home if it does not have a good password protecting your network) you risk someone seeing your information. Not to mention also if you have been key logged. The only way anyone can have their things token is if they let someone do it.

CraigPosted:

smoothskin i think they are going over the top a little


You can never have to much security.

ItalianPosted:

Rant
Method_Man So basically the NSA is watching everything we do on xbox now. Looks like the Latest South Park episode was telling the truth


I actually like this feature a lot. I'd rather be watched and have my stuff secure then have someone take it :L


Agreed.

And to the guy not liking the NSA, you lose a freedom but you gain many.

smoothskinPosted:

i think they are going over the top a little

RantPosted:

Method_Man So basically the NSA is watching everything we do on xbox now. Looks like the Latest South Park episode was telling the truth


I actually like this feature a lot. I'd rather be watched and have my stuff secure then have someone take it :L

ItalianPosted:

-CP
Italian
GT-R I'm sure this will be pretty useful for stopping account theft. Which I saw happen a lot on the 360.


It will, and also Email theft, I've had to reset my password once because of this, I had to reset it because it wouldn't even let me login until I did. Someone from a chinese computer logged in...


I 100% guarantee you are at fault for your issue.


Most likely, but also I don't see what it could have been. All people have to do is Bruteforce a password as long as they know the email. Facebook has my email. I mean for all I know I could give someone my email and they try and Bruteforce it, think about it...that is why Usernames are better logins and not emails I believe.


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