Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blizzard: Diablo 3 account compromises historically in line with WoW expansions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/blizzard-diablo-3-account-compromises-historically-in-line-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/blizzard-diablo-3-account-compromises-historically-in-line-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/blizzard-diablo-3-account-compromises-historically-in-line-with/#comments ImageThe Blizzard forums are bursting with stories of Diablo 3 players' gold and items magically disappearing from their accounts, and while we bemoan the losses they're not entirely surprising.

"Historically, the release of a new game -- such as a World of Warcraft expansion -- will result in an increase in reports of individual account compromises, and that's exactly what we're seeing now with Diablo 3," Blizzards told Joystiq this evening. "We know how frustrating it can be to become the victim of account theft, and as always, we're dedicated to doing everything we can to help our players keep their Battle.net accounts safe -- and we appreciate everyone who's doing their part to help protect their accounts as well."

Continue reading Blizzard: Diablo 3 account compromises historically in line with WoW expansions

JoystiqBlizzard: Diablo 3 account compromises historically in line with WoW expansions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accountauthenticatorbattle.netBlizzardDiablo-3hackkeyloggerpcTue, 22 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How GeoHot went from winning science fairs to instigating the hacker war]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/how-geohot-went-from-winning-science-fairs-to-instigating-the-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/how-geohot-went-from-winning-science-fairs-to-instigating-the-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/how-geohot-went-from-winning-science-fairs-to-instigating-the-ha/#commentsImageHackers built the Internet. Throughout the 1970s and '80s hackers altered the Internet from a strictly business communications system for the defense department and librarians into a robust online community for anyone with a computer to use as they pleased. The Internet and computer technology is still evolving, perhaps at a a faster, more public rate today, and hackers are still at the forefront of its design. Hackers such as Geohot, the guy who rooted Sony's PS3 early last year.

George Hotz posted the PS3 root key online with a statement reading "I don't condone piracy" in January 2011 and it spread online. Geohot became an unsuspecting martyr in the hacker community when Sony sued him and won an injunction barring him from ever tampering with a Sony product again. Thus began the hacker wars, The New Yorker suggests in a biographical run-down of 2011's events.

Hotz was brilliant in science and technology fields throughout middle and high school, winning $15,000 at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2007 and appearing in Forbes and on The Today Show for his technological achievements.

He hacked the PS3 master key while he was high on OxyContin and Vicodin. He didn't condone or participate in any of Anonymous' hacks into Sony's servers, and since his online spotlight has faded he's worked for Facebook, quit and run amok in Panama, and met with Sony engineers curious about his methodology. He has reminders to "Call therapist" on his whiteboard. Geohotz is human, The New Yorker makes sure to point out.

The full story is available here, or we figure you can just watch this eerily similar dramatic recreation of an antisocial programmer's rise to fame. They're both human, after all.

JoystiqHow GeoHot went from winning science fairs to instigating the hacker war originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousGeohotGeorge-HotzhackhackerLulzSecplaystationps3psn-outage-2011sony-hackMon, 30 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony restores PSN games that allowed Vita hack (but there's another one)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/sony-restores-psn-games-that-allowed-vita-hack-but-theres-anot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/sony-restores-psn-games-that-allowed-vita-hack-but-theres-anot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/sony-restores-psn-games-that-allowed-vita-hack-but-theres-anot/#comments
Image
Sony pulled two PSP titles, Hot Shots Tennis and MotorStorm Arctic Rift, from the PlayStation Network in March when they were found to be open portals to Vita hacking heaven, allowing people to use homebrew programming through the Vita's PSP emulator. Both of these titles are currently back on the Vita and the hack scare is gone forever and ev - er, maybe not.

Vita version 1.67 closed off the ability for hackers to run the VHBL program in Hot Shot Tennis and MotorStorm Arctic Rift, but the folks at Wololo.net have found another game that runs the same program even after the update. The above video shows Wololo's Doom running on a Vita. It hasn't yet disclosed which game allows the hack.

JoystiqSony restores PSN games that allowed Vita hack (but there's another one) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomemulatorhackhomebrewplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYvitavita-hackFri, 20 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft responds to claims of Xbox 360 hard drives storing old credit card info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/microsoft-responds-to-xbox-360-hard-drives-storing-credit-card-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/microsoft-responds-to-xbox-360-hard-drives-storing-credit-card-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/microsoft-responds-to-xbox-360-hard-drives-storing-credit-card-i/#comments Yesterday, we reported on a research group at Drexel University who claimed Xbox 360 hard drives retained the credit card info of past users. Today, Microsoft issued a statement in response to the claim.

Jim Alkove, general manager of Microsoft's security of interactive entertainment business, responded to Joystiq today, offering the following statement:
We are conducting a thorough investigation into the researchers' claims. We have requested information that will allow us to investigate the console in question and have still not received the information needed to replicate the researchers' claims.

Xbox is not designed to store credit card data locally on the console, and as such seems unlikely credit card data was recovered by the method described. Additionally, when Microsoft refurbishes used consoles we have processes in place to wipe the local hard drives of any other user data. We can assure Xbox owners we take the privacy and security of their personal data very seriously.

In summary, Microsoft is looking into the claim, and suggests it's not possible to strip previous users' credit card data from a refurbished console. But best to hold onto that old Xbox 360 for now, until this whole thing is figured out.

JoystiqMicrosoft responds to claims of Xbox 360 hard drives storing old credit card info originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit-card-infohackjim-alkovemicrosoftxboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Hackers can pull credit card info from old Xbox 360 hard drives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/report-hackers-can-pull-credit-card-info-from-old-xbox-360-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/report-hackers-can-pull-credit-card-info-from-old-xbox-360-hard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/report-hackers-can-pull-credit-card-info-from-old-xbox-360-hard/#comments Update: Microsoft has responded to the claim that Xbox 360 hard drives store credit card data of past users. You can read the statement here.

A new report suggests uncouth citizens can retrieve credit card data and other personal information from an old Xbox 360 hard drive -- even if it was re-formatted and the console restored back to factory settings.

The report comes from an ongoing study at Drexel University. Researcher Ashley Podhradsky told Kotaku that Microsoft does a good job protecting its own proprietary information on the console, but doesn't take any steps to protect user data. As part of the study, the group purchased one used Xbox 360 console, installed some hacking tools and started to root around. Soon enough they were able to retrieve some files and folders, eventually extracting the original owner's credit card information.

We've contacted Microsoft to try and find out if this is the case on all hard drives and even USB drives that have had profiles transferred onto them, and if there are any possible steps users may take to protect their data (other than chucking their devices into a volcano). With several gaming platforms and company websites falling prey to hackers over the last year, and the continual rise of digital distribution, safe online infrastructures are more important than ever to gamers today.

JoystiqReport: Hackers can pull credit card info from old Xbox 360 hard drives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drexel-universityhackmicrosoftreportxboxxbox-360-hard-driveThu, 29 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell on the Steam hack: 'Probable' that user information obtained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gabe-newell-updates-users-on-the-steam-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gabe-newell-updates-users-on-the-steam-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/gabe-newell-updates-users-on-the-steam-hack/#comments The Steam forums and database was hacked in November, and Valve is still investigating the breach. In a new note to Steam users, Valve head Gabe Newell announced that "it is probable that the intruders obtained a copy of a backup file with information about Steam transactions between 2004 and 2008." The file contained user names and email addresses, and encrypted billing addresses and credit-card information, but it did not include passwords, Newell said.

So far there has been no evidence that credit cards or billing addresses have been compromised from the attack, but Steam users should pay close attention to their accounts and keep Steam Guard on, Newell said. Read Gabe's full update below, which has been sent to all Steam gamers as well.

Update: The headline previously included the phrases "credit card info" and "at risk," which seemed alarmist to some readers. It has been updated and glasses of warm milk passed around to everyone. Enjoy.

Continue reading Gabe Newell on the Steam hack: 'Probable' that user information obtained

JoystiqGabe Newell on the Steam hack: 'Probable' that user information obtained originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billingcredit-cardgabe-newellhackhackersmacpcSTEAMFri, 10 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita gets more Remote Play titles with hacked PS3 firmware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/vita-gets-more-remote-play-titles-with-hacked-ps3-firmware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/vita-gets-more-remote-play-titles-with-hacked-ps3-firmware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/vita-gets-more-remote-play-titles-with-hacked-ps3-firmware/#comments
Several YouTube videos have popped up, showcasing PlayStation 3 titles being played via the PlayStation Vita's Remote Play function -- titles usually not supported by the feature. Officially, the Vita is currently restricted to a handful of titles, but a hacked version of PS3 firmware 3.55 (reportedly susceptible to the infamous PS3 "jailbreak" hack) allows users to play many more titles.

The Vita appears as a "mobile phone" in this configuration, and offers up a wider variety of choices than the normal Vita Remote Play. The videos in question, uploaded by YouTube users homer49, feature Batman: Arkham Asylum, Battlefield 3 (shown above), Alice: Madness Returns, Mortal Kombat and Red Dead Redemption. The games display a hefty amount of input lag.

Sony still plans to expand the official Remote Play library going forward. The company previously showed Killzone 3 running via Remote Play at the Tokyo Game Show and stated that developers would soon receive tools to help implement Remote Play on upcoming and previously released titles.

JoystiqVita gets more Remote Play titles with hacked PS3 firmware originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhacksplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PS3-Firmware-3.55vitaMon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VideoGamesPlus.ca investigating 'security issue,' recommends password change]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/videogamesplus-ca-investigating-security-issue-recommends-pas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/videogamesplus-ca-investigating-security-issue-recommends-pas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/videogamesplus-ca-investigating-security-issue-recommends-pas/#comments Earlier today it was reported that VideoGamesPlus.ca had been hacked and 21,000 customers' account details were posted for all to see. Eurogamer obtained an email from the company to customers saying the site is "currently investigating a security issue" and is recommending folks to change their passwords.

The problems started when a hacker claimed he had the account details and posted them (since removed) on a file-sharing site. The details included customer names, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers and encrypted passwords.

Short version: If you're a VGP customer, change the password for any accounts that shared the same password.

[Pavel Ignatov via Shutterstock]

JoystiqVideoGamesPlus.ca investigating 'security issue,' recommends password change originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3vgpVideoGamesPlus.cawiixboxWed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK retailer GAME's customer database breached]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-uk-retailer-games-customer-database-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-uk-retailer-games-customer-database-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-uk-retailer-games-customer-database-breached/#commentsA customer database belonging to UK retailer GAME has been breached, as has one belonging to Australian website Catalyst-Gaming, MCV reports. A list of over 2000 customer usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords has been released.

GAME denied that it's been hacked. "The published email addresses are not registered users of GAME.co.uk, and there has been no breach of our database security." That leaves catalyst-gaming as a potential source of email addresses. Regardless, if you've used either site recently, a password change wouldn't hurt.

JoystiqReport: UK retailer GAME's customer database breached originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachcatalyst-gaminggamehacksecurityukMon, 16 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Live login suggested as Xbox Live security flaw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/windows-live-login-suggested-as-xbox-live-security-flaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/windows-live-login-suggested-as-xbox-live-security-flaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/windows-live-login-suggested-as-xbox-live-security-flaw/#comments Since reporting on the "FIFA hack" and related security concerns with Xbox Live and the Windows Live ID system, we've received stories, documentation and theories on how this is happening from dozens of victims. As we continue to follow up on several leads, Analoghype posits an interesting theory on how some of these breaches may be occurring.

AH suspects that the hackers grab gamertags from a game of Halo or Call of Duty, then Google the tags to find associated emails on social networking sites. They now have a potential list of Windows Live IDs. Going to Xbox.com, the hacker can now test if the email is a valid ID by attempting to sign in. An error message of "account is invalid" has them moving on to another email; "password is incorrect" means they've got a real account, but a bad password.

Continue reading Windows Live login suggested as Xbox Live security flaw

JoystiqWindows Live login suggested as Xbox Live security flaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fifa-hackhackmicrosoftsecuritywindows-live-idxboxxbox-liveFri, 13 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck turns an iCade into an iPhone gamepad before iCade can]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ben-heck-turns-an-icade-into-an-iphone-gamepad-before-icade-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ben-heck-turns-an-icade-into-an-iphone-gamepad-before-icade-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/ben-heck-turns-an-icade-into-an-iphone-gamepad-before-icade-can/#comments
Not to be confused with iCade's recently announced official controller, Ben Heck's preemptive strike against iCade's $80 enclosure is made possible through reverse-engineering the original iCade unit. We suppose Heck's version isn't a more prudent alternative, but that doesn't make a magician's work any less interesting.

Heck's game pad features eight face buttons, a pair of triggers on the top and a d-pad on the left side. It's more function than form but, as you can see, it gets the job done.

JoystiqBen Heck turns an iCade into an iPhone gamepad before iCade can originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-heckgamepadhackiosipadiphonemobilemodThu, 12 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Envision: A portable Gamecube sans disc drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/the-envision-a-portable-gamecube-sans-disc-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/the-envision-a-portable-gamecube-sans-disc-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/the-envision-a-portable-gamecube-sans-disc-drive/#comments
One of the main problems faced by hackers and modders creating portable versions of home consoles is, well, portability. Making something you can hold in your hands isn't exactly an easy task, but creating something that also fits in your messenger bag is a tall order, especially when hacking together a handheld version of something with a disc drive.

ModRetro member Jonathan Shine's solution to this problem is as ingenious as it is simple: If the disc drive is too thick, don't use it. The Envision, Shine's homemade portable Gamecube, kicks spinning media to the curb in favor of an SD card loaded with what we're sure are completely legal and legitimate backups of games he already owns. The device measures approximately 1.375 by 6.5 by 4.125 inches and will run for 2 to 3 hours on a single charge. Check out this thread at ModRetro for complete build specs and more pictures of the finished product.

[Thanks, Mason!]

JoystiqThe Envision: A portable Gamecube sans disc drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customgamecubehackhackerhandheldhomemademodmoddernintendoprotableSun, 08 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live 'FIFA hack' concerns continue to escalate, Microsoft states Windows Live ID not compromised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-fifa-hack-concerns-continue-to-escalate-microsoft-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-fifa-hack-concerns-continue-to-escalate-microsoft-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-fifa-hack-concerns-continue-to-escalate-microsoft-s/#comments Additional reporting provided by Xav de Matos, Senior Editor for Shacknews.
Following an increasing occurrence of Xbox Live account hack reports, we are growing concerned over Microsoft's Windows Live ID system, the only layer of protection between a hacker gaining access to a person's Xbox Live account and their information. In our research, the only consistency we saw across users who were hacked was the general inconsistency of what email and payment method was used on their account. Hotmail, Gmail and school emails were used for their Windows Live ID, while payment methods used were credit cards and PayPal. Other than a compromised Windows Live ID, there wasn't a common thread we could identify.

It's been several months since we started following the "FIFA hack," a rather blunt scam that saw Xbox Live accounts drained so thieves could purchase in-game FIFA 12 'Ultimate Team' cards for use and sale. We have been tracking the FIFA issue and following up on other tips that weren't necessarily rooted in the FIFA hack, but related in that users saw exploitation of payment methods tied to their account. A recent Shacknews editorial detailed accounts compromised by the FIFA exploit.

Continue reading Xbox Live 'FIFA hack' concerns continue to escalate, Microsoft states Windows Live ID not compromised

JoystiqXbox Live 'FIFA hack' concerns continue to escalate, Microsoft states Windows Live ID not compromised originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fifa-12fifa-hackfifa-soccer-12hackmicrosoftsecuritywindows-live-idxboxXbox-Livexbox-live-hackWed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Engineer makes cat companion out of robot using Kinect and Wiimotes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/engineer-makes-cat-companion-out-of-robot-using-kinect-and-wiimo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/engineer-makes-cat-companion-out-of-robot-using-kinect-and-wiimo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/engineer-makes-cat-companion-out-of-robot-using-kinect-and-wiimo/#comments
Until the robots rise up and destroy us all, software engineer Taylor Veltrop is fine with using our future usurpers as feline babysitters.

Veltrop has hacked together a Kinect, two Wiimotes, head-mounted display, treadmill and a Nao robot to remotely pet a cat. It may have taken him about a year to get this far, but in the end it's worth it: we get a video showing an amount of human-robot relations not seen since Sarah and her son befriended a T-800 ... and Veltrop gets to pet a cat. Win-win situation, if you ask us.

JoystiqEngineer makes cat companion out of robot using Kinect and Wiimotes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackkinectmicrosoftnaonintendopctaylor-veltropwiixboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Anonymous after Sony execs, not PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/#comments PlayStation Lifestyle reports that Anonymous has clarified its position regarding attacks on Sony over the abhorrent SOPA law -- keeping in mind that Anonymous isn't a strongly cohesive "group," and so it's not entirely possible to ascribe a single point of view to it.

The opening message on the group's "#OpSony" IRC room was reportedly changed to "NO SOPA! NO ATTACK ON PSN!" In an area for planning "ops," the group suggested that "Doxing [posting personal documents] will occur on Sony executives." Other avenues of attack included hacking Sony websites to place anti-SOPA material.

This attitude is consistent with statements previously attributed to the group, expressing a desire not to inconvenience Sony customers while carrying out protests against Sony.

JoystiqReport: Anonymous after Sony execs, not PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymoushackopsonyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonysopavitaMon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[cTrix's gATARI2600 chiptune "guitar"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/ctrixs-gatari2600-chiptune-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/ctrixs-gatari2600-chiptune-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/ctrixs-gatari2600-chiptune-guitar/#comments
The chiptune music scene is known for its creative use of antiquated gaming hardware, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better example of "antiquated" than 1977's Atari 2600. Through a clever mix of custom software, handmade cartridges and three Boss stomp boxes, chiptune artist/modder cTrix has created the gATARI2600, an instrument as massive as it is massively impressive.

Check out the video above for cTrix's explanation of the device's components, as well as footage of the monstrosity (the instrument, not cTrix) in action at Blip Fest 2011. Personally, we're still holding out for an Intellivision viola.

JoystiqcTrix's gATARI2600 chiptune "guitar" originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari-2600chiptunecTrixgatarigATARI2600hackmodSun, 01 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix: No personal information accessed from SE Members server]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/square-enix-no-personal-information-accessed-from-se-members-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/square-enix-no-personal-information-accessed-from-se-members-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/square-enix-no-personal-information-accessed-from-se-members-se/#comments Last week, Square Enix told us it had yet to find any evidence of personal information being compromised as a result of the intrusion into its Square Enix Members server. The company has since posted a most welcome update on the Members site.

"As a result of our continuing investigation, we have now confirmed that the database in which we store personal information was NOT accessed during the recent server intrusion," Square Enix said, capitals and all. "Therefore, your personal information was NOT compromised by an unknown third party."

The Members service will be reactivated, presumably with more security in place, "by the end of December."

JoystiqSquare Enix: No personal information accessed from SE Members server originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksecuritysquare-enixsquare-enix-membersTue, 20 Dec 2011 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix: 'no evidence' that personal info was lost in Members hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/square-enix-weve-found-no-evidence-that-personal-info-was-lo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/square-enix-weve-found-no-evidence-that-personal-info-was-lo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/square-enix-weve-found-no-evidence-that-personal-info-was-lo/#comments A report went up on the NHK (via Andriasang) claiming that Square Enix suspected the scope of the intrusion into its Square Enix Members servers to be around 1.8 million people. And seemingly simultaneously, a press release came out of Square claiming that "we have not found evidence that the individual was able to access any personal information at all."

We contacted Square to, well, square these seemingly contradictory stories. A representative told Joystiq that the 1.8 million number refers only to the total number of Square Enix Members users in the US and Japan -- the theoretical maximum number of people that could be affected by the hack. That's not the number of people who were affected; Square maintains that there's been no evidence of any data theft.

And again, since no credit card information was stored on the server suspected of being hacked, that info is not in danger.

JoystiqSquare Enix: 'no evidence' that personal info was lost in Members hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksquare-enixsquare-enix-membersThu, 15 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix Members site temporarily shut down following hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/square-enix-members-site-temporarily-shut-down-following-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/square-enix-members-site-temporarily-shut-down-following-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/square-enix-members-site-temporarily-shut-down-following-hack/#comments You'll have to have to wait before registering this year's Square Enix games for prizes. Someone has apparently hacked a server used by Square Enix Members in the US and Japan, and as a result the publisher has temporarily shut down the service.

"We are assessing the full extent of this potential breach to determine what data, if any, was compromised and will provide more details as soon as possible," Square Enix stated. "While some personal information may have been accessed, we can confirm that there is no possibility of any credit card information leak from this incident, since the server in question stores no credit card information." The company will investigate the breach over the next "few days."

The good news is that your credit card info is safe. The bad news is that somebody out there may know that you bought Mindjack.

JoystiqSquare Enix Members site temporarily shut down following hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksquare-enixsquare-enix-membersTue, 13 Dec 2011 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Personal information stolen from Korean MapleStory servers, US accounts unaffected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/personal-information-stolen-from-korean-maplestory-servers-us-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/personal-information-stolen-from-korean-maplestory-servers-us-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/personal-information-stolen-from-korean-maplestory-servers-us-a/#comments While the majority of U.S citizens were stuffing their collective face holes with various dead birds and baked goods last Thursday, 13.2 million South Koreans scrambled to protect their identities from an as-of-yet-unidentified group of hackers. According to The Korean Herald, a security breach involving Nexon Korea Corp.'s MapleStory servers resulted in the "leak" of encrypted personal information, including usernames, passwords and the South Korean equivalent of Social Security Numbers.

Players in other parts of the world need not be concerned, however. A Nexon representative told the Yonhap News service that South Korea's servers are independent from those in other regions, and as a result only South Korean information was compromised.

Our guess? Jealous Canadian syrup extremists. It's the only explanation that makes sense.

JoystiqPersonal information stolen from Korean MapleStory servers, US accounts unaffected originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackersmaple-storymaplestorynexonnexon-koreanexon-korea-corppcsecurity-breachSat, 26 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve: Steam user database hacked, no evidence of personal info taken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/valve-steam-user-database-hacked-no-evidence-of-personal-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/valve-steam-user-database-hacked-no-evidence-of-personal-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/valve-steam-user-database-hacked-no-evidence-of-personal-info/#comments In a message sent to all Steam users by Valve's Gabe Newell, it was revealed that the vandalizing of the Steam forums, which occurred on November 6, was followed by an intrusion on "a Steam database." The hacked database included usernames, "hashed and salted" passwords, transcripts of game purchases, email and billing addresses, and encrypted credit card info. The message specified that Valve doesn't have any evidence of the intruders taking the credit card numbers or any other "personally identifying information," or that the encryption on said numbers or passwords had been cracked.

The company is investigating the incident, but because a few forum users have been compromised all users must change their passwords during their next forum visit. Steam users aren't forced to change their passwords, but are encouraged to do so, especially if they match their forum passwords. Also, if your bank account, Paypal account, PSN, Xbox Live, email, AIM or, you know, anything, shares your forum password, you should probably change that too -- and then you should probably just move into a log cabin in the woods for a while.

You can read Newell's full message after the break.

Continue reading Valve: Steam user database hacked, no evidence of personal info taken

JoystiqValve: Steam user database hacked, no evidence of personal info taken originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forumsgabe-newellhackhackerhackingintrusionpcsteamvalveThu, 10 Nov 2011 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers add Waluigi to Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/hackers-add-waluigi-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/hackers-add-waluigi-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/hackers-add-waluigi-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/#comments
We'll be honest: we're equal parts impressed and creeped out by the video above, which depicts a hacked version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl with an additional character, Waluigi. We're impressed because, hey, dude's totally not in that game -- remember, it's a hack -- and we're also impressed with the whole execution of it. These guys really love themselves some Brawl!

As for the whole being creeped out thing, isn't it obvious? Just look at him! Waluigi is the creepiest.

JoystiqHackers add Waluigi to Super Smash Bros. Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackmodnintendoSuper-Smash-Bros-BrawlwaluigiwiiTue, 11 Oct 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Play Battlefield 3 on a hacked server, get banned from Origin (and your Origin games)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/rumor-play-battlefield-3-on-a-hacked-server-get-banned-from-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/rumor-play-battlefield-3-on-a-hacked-server-get-banned-from-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/rumor-play-battlefield-3-on-a-hacked-server-get-banned-from-or/#comments It goes without saying that you shouldn't do bad stuff, but what if you technically don't know you're doing something bad? That's the potential situation with the Battlefield 3 beta right now on PC, which has apparently been hacked to allow for up to 128 players on the Operation Metro map. But here's the thing: these hacked matches show up in the regular Battlelog, so players could potentially stumble in and not realize they're doing something wrong.

Regardless, EA wants you to know that doing so will put your Origin account in danger and potentially limit your access to all of the games you downloaded through EA's digital distribution platform to none. The above exchange, which allegedly went down in the EA forums last week, has since been pulled.

We've contacted EA for an official statement on the matter and will update this post accordingly.

[Thanks, Matt]

JoystiqRumor: Play Battlefield 3 on a hacked server, get banned from Origin (and your Origin games) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbattlefield-3betadiceeahackoriginpcMon, 03 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack turns your 360 into a 3D walk-in closet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/kinect-hack-turns-your-360-into-a-3d-walk-in-closet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/kinect-hack-turns-your-360-into-a-3d-walk-in-closet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/kinect-hack-turns-your-360-into-a-3d-walk-in-closet/#comments The world wasn't ready for you to wear a knee-length peacock-feather skirt last season, but the folks at Polish creative collective Arbuzz are paving the way for your fashionista debut with a new hack for Kinect. Virtual Dressing Room takes trying on clothes to the next level, using 3D imaging to fit a selection of clothes to your body, even as you skip across your living room like the little girl you are.

According to the folks at Arbuzz, Virtual Dressing Room is still a work in progress, most likely because it is impossible to put a deadline on fashion.

JoystiqKinect hack turns your 360 into a 3D walk-in closet originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fashionhackKinect-hackmicrosoftpeacockskirtsxboxSat, 09 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft designs tossed into 3D printer, we're pretty sure a wizard did it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/minecraft-designs-tossed-into-3d-printer-were-pretty-sure-a-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/minecraft-designs-tossed-into-3d-printer-were-pretty-sure-a-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/minecraft-designs-tossed-into-3d-printer-were-pretty-sure-a-wi/#comments We've seen the cuboid tools afforded to Minecraft builders used for some pretty impressive in-game creations -- but never before have we seen those creations manifested out-game. Two students at the MIT Media Lab have whipped up a piece of software called Minecraft.Print(), which is capable of feeding a megastructure built in the game's world into a 3D printer, which that turns it into a real-life thing.

Check out the video above to check out this impressive tool in action. Keep an eye out for the few frames where a wizard steps in and performs the series of magic spells required to make something like this work -- we missed them our first time through, but we know they're there.

JoystiqMinecraft designs tossed into 3D printer, we're pretty sure a wizard did it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-printerhackMinecraftmit-media-labMojang-SpecificationsnotchpcFri, 08 Jul 2011 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's Neverwinter Nights forums hacked, EA Account information at risk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/biowares-neverwinter-nights-forums-hacked-ea-account-informati/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/biowares-neverwinter-nights-forums-hacked-ea-account-informati/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/biowares-neverwinter-nights-forums-hacked-ea-account-informati/#comments And here we thought we'd get through a whole day without a hacking story. BioWare Edmonton Studio GM Aaryn Flynn sent out an email tonight alerting users of its "decade-old BioWare server system supporting the Neverwinter Nights forums." As with the Sega Pass hack, BioWare asserts that there is no danger of loss of credit card data, but other information -- like "user names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, mailing addresses, names, phone numbers, CD keys and birth dates" from EA Accounts may have been taken. These are the same EA Accounts used for online EA games, so it has significance beyond just forums for some old game.

The email includes a password change link, and -- also like the Sega Pass hack -- BioWare took the precaution of changing everyone's passwords immediately. Of course, if you used the same password for any other site that you used for your EA Account, you should change that too. Should you have more questions, EA has posted a brief FAQ about the hack.

Continue reading BioWare's Neverwinter Nights forums hacked, EA Account information at risk

JoystiqBioWare's Neverwinter Nights forums hacked, EA Account information at risk originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-accountelectronic-artshackhackingneverwinter-nightspcThu, 23 Jun 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Pass hack exposed 1.3 million accounts, LulzSec denies responsibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/sega-pass-hack-exposed-1-3-million-accounts-lulzsec-denies-resp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/sega-pass-hack-exposed-1-3-million-accounts-lulzsec-denies-resp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/sega-pass-hack-exposed-1-3-million-accounts-lulzsec-denies-resp/#comments The Sega Pass hack has been upgraded from "temporary loss of some service to which we weren't really paying attention," all the way to "reasonably serious business." In a statement to Reuters, Sega revealed the scope of the data breach: over 1.3 million user accounts, including dates of birth and passwords. The publisher made it clear when it initially announced the breach that payment information wasn't at risk.

"We are deeply sorry for causing trouble to our customers," Sega spokesperson Yoko Nagasawa said in today's statement. "We want to work on strengthening security."

This time, hacker collective LulzSec isn't claiming responsibility, instead sending out a tweet offering to help Sega find the actual culprit. "We love the Dreamcast," they said. "These people are going down."

JoystiqSega Pass hack exposed 1.3 million accounts, LulzSec denies responsibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackinglulzsecpcsegasega-passMon, 20 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega warns users of recent 'Sega Pass' hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/sega-warns-users-of-recent-sega-pass-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/sega-warns-users-of-recent-sega-pass-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/sega-warns-users-of-recent-sega-pass-hack/#comments It's an all-too-familiar story, as another game-related online service is hacked. Sega sent out an email to users of Sega Pass, an opt-in newsletter service (also used as an account system for online Sega games like Spiral Knights), warning them of an "unauthorised entry" into the Sega Pass database. As a result of this intrusion, Sega took the system offline yesterday.

"We have identified that a subset of SEGA Pass members emails addresses, dates of birth and encrypted passwords were obtained," the email warns. "To stress, none of the passwords obtained were stored in plain text," though it took the precaution of resetting all passwords anyway. In addition, Sega says that since payment information related to Sega Pass was stored through external providers, it wasn't at risk.

Sega asked users to refrain from trying to log into Sega Pass -- there's nothing there at the moment anyway. And "if you use the same login information for other websites and/or services as you do for SEGA Pass, you should change that information immediately."

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Sega warns users of recent 'Sega Pass' hack

JoystiqSega warns users of recent 'Sega Pass' hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackingpcsegasega-passFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LulzSec attacks Escapist Magazine, EVE Online, and Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/lulzsec-attacks-escapist-magazine-eve-online-and-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/lulzsec-attacks-escapist-magazine-eve-online-and-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/lulzsec-attacks-escapist-magazine-eve-online-and-minecraft/#comments Hacker group LulzSec, the same group that's attacked Sony and Nintendo in the past, has tweeted that it's committed three distributed denial of service attacks against gaming companies today, bringing down EVE Online's Tranquility server, Minecraft's multiplayer services, and the Escapist Magazine's website. EVE Online's CCP has confirmed both the outage and the attack, the Escapist is unreachable at the moment, and Minecraft creator Notch says that things were down, but supposedly service has been restored.

LulzSec hasn't shared a reason for the attacks just yet, but we can only guess it's, as they say, "for teh lulz."

Update: The group has gone after Riot Games' League of Legends servers as well. Attempting to log in to the game gives a "server busy" message, though there's no official word from the company yet.

Update: Statement from CCP after the break. EVE Online still seems to be down.

Continue reading LulzSec attacks Escapist Magazine, EVE Online, and Minecraft

JoystiqLulzSec attacks Escapist Magazine, EVE Online, and Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attackccpddoseve-onlinehackhackinglulzsecminecraftofflinepcserviceTue, 14 Jun 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters informs users of website breach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-informs-users-of-website-breach/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-informs-users-of-website-breach/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/codemasters-informs-users-of-website-breach/#comments Last Friday, some malevolent entity got into codemasters.com, and obtained access to information on the Dirt 3 code redemption page, the E Store, and the CodeM database. The publisher sent out an email today warning users about the site's code having been mastered.

The hacker was able to access information including customer names, addresses, and email addresses (but not payment information), and passwords, along with Xbox Live Gamertags and IP addresses. Codemasters shut its site down immediately upon detecting the intrusion. A new website will launch later this year, with Codemasters planning to redirect to its Facebook page in the meantime.

"Whilst we do not have confirmation that any of this data was downloaded onto an external device," Codies said in the email to users, "we have to assume that, as access was gained, all of these details were compromised and/or stolen." You can read the full email after the break ... right after you change your password anywhere that you had been using the same one you used on the Codies site.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Codemasters informs users of website breach

JoystiqCodemasters informs users of website breach originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3hackhackingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Three arrests made in connection with PSN hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/three-arrests-made-in-connection-with-psn-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/three-arrests-made-in-connection-with-psn-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/three-arrests-made-in-connection-with-psn-hack/#comments The New York Times reports that the Spanish police have picked up three suspects in connection with the PSN hack that brought the network down over the last month and a half.

The arrests include one man in the city of Gijón who allegedly had a computer in his house that was used to attack PSN. The same computer was reportedly involved in attacks on Spanish banks and other entities. The other two arrests took place in Valencia and Barcelona, but no further information was provided.

Spain's National Police, according to NYT, claim that the three suspects were part of the "local leadership" of the hacking group Anonymous, and that the police found its suspects by analyzing chat logs and web pages. The arrests were made as part of an investigation that began in October of last year following a hack on the Spanish Ministry of Culture website. Anonymous has previously denied official involvement with the PSN hack, though some members have speculated that the attackers were likely connected to the group.

[Thanks, David!]

JoystiqThree arrests made in connection with PSN hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackplaystationps3psnpsn-outage-2011pspsonyspainFri, 10 Jun 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[NIntendo servers attacked, no customer info stolen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/nintendo-servers-attacked-no-customer-info-stolen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/nintendo-servers-attacked-no-customer-info-stolen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/nintendo-servers-attacked-no-customer-info-stolen/#comments Nintendo admitted Sunday that its US-based servers were attacked several weeks ago by hackers, but that no customer data was taken. "The server contained no consumer information. The protection of our customer information is our utmost priority," Nintendo of America told Reuters.

Lulzsec, the same group that took responsibility for the recent Sony Pictures incursion, said it had hacked Nintendo but took one file and "didn't mean any harm."

JoystiqNIntendo servers attacked, no customer info stolen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshackhackedhackersLulzsecnintendosecuritywiiMon, 06 Jun 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos and Deus Ex websites hacked, resumes and site registration emails obtained [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/report-eidos-and-deus-ex-websites-hacked-user-information-obta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/report-eidos-and-deus-ex-websites-hacked-user-information-obta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/report-eidos-and-deus-ex-websites-hacked-user-information-obta/#comments This past Wednesday, hackers reportedly broke into the Eidos and Deus Ex: Human Revolution websites, erecting an "Owned by Chippy1337" banner and signing some names and aliases below (a possible red herring). In IRC chat logs, obtained by former Washington Post reporter Brian Krebs, the hackers also claim to have stolen the personal data of "at least" 80,000 users. So, first things first: If you've registered on an Eidos site or with the Deus Ex site, now's the time to change your password (we should all be used to this by now).

Eurogamer has spoken with "Venuism," one of the hackers implicated in the theft, who clarified that the "src" (source code) the hackers allegedly obtained pertains to the Deus Ex website and not the actual game. As of this writing, the Deus Ex website still isn't back to normal, while Eidos.com, which was also apparently compromised, appears fine now. (Venuism maintains that he and the others listed below the banner have been set up by a rival group.)

Most troubling, Venuism suggested that the stolen user data -- the extent of which is unclear -- had already been leaked. We've contacted Eidos parent company Square Enix for an official comment on the situation.

Update: Square Enix has confirmed that Eidosmontreal.com and two of its product sites were compromised. The company states that 350 job applicant resumes "may have been accessed" and those individuals are being contacted. Furthermore, 25,000 email addresses, which were "not linked to any additional personal information" were obtained. Read the full Square Enix statement after the break.

Continue reading Eidos and Deus Ex websites hacked, resumes and site registration emails obtained [update]

JoystiqEidos and Deus Ex websites hacked, resumes and site registration emails obtained [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutionEidoshackhacksmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-EnixwebsitexboxFri, 13 May 2011 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 'Rebug' custom firmware enabled 'free' PSN downloads, forced Sony's network shutdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/rumor-rebug-custom-firmware-enabled-free-psn-downloads-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/rumor-rebug-custom-firmware-enabled-free-psn-downloads-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/rumor-rebug-custom-firmware-enabled-free-psn-downloads-for/#comments According to PSX-Scene forum moderator, "chesh," the now six-day-long PlayStation Network outage may be the result of a particularly exploitative custom firmware (CFW) modification for PS3. In a post on Reddit, chesh claims that a CFW known as "Codename: Rebug" had given its users the ability to log into PSN as if they were doing so from a developer console (or "debug unit").

As a result, chesh contends, this same exploit could allow its users to add funds from "dummy" credit card accounts into their PSN wallets, ostensibly giving them the ability to "unlock" (read: steal) certain PlayStation Store content. Joystiq's research into the purported exploit has turned up multiple tutorials detailing the process, which appears alarmingly easy to execute on consoles running the Rebug CFW.

The hack does not allow its users to access the credit card or other personal information of PSN users, chesh adds. Nevertheless, as we reported earlier today, Sony is working to rule out information theft as part of its investigation during the maintenance outage in which the company is also implementing new security measures.

Sony has not yet responded to our request for comment on this story.

[Image source: rebug.me]

JoystiqRumor: 'Rebug' custom firmware enabled 'free' PSN downloads, forced Sony's network shutdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cfwcodename-rebugcustom-firmwarehackhackingoutageplaystationps3psnpsn-outage-2011rebugsonyMon, 25 Apr 2011 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja becomes life-size using CAVE technology]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/fruit-ninja-becomes-life-size-using-cave-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/fruit-ninja-becomes-life-size-using-cave-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/fruit-ninja-becomes-life-size-using-cave-technology/#comments The same encapsulating virtual reality display that led to the memorable Kinect hack from last week now has an altogether new and exciting purpose. A group of students from FH-Wedel Germany have turned the CAVE hardware and a Wiimote into a gigantic, all-encompassing version of Fruit Ninja.

Continue reading Fruit Ninja becomes life-size using CAVE technology

JoystiqFruit Ninja becomes life-size using CAVE technology originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavefruit-ninjagermanyhackmicrosoftnintendowiiwiimoteTue, 29 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Geohot's lawyer responds to Sony's South America accusations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/geohots-lawyer-responds-to-sonys-south-america-accusations/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/geohots-lawyer-responds-to-sonys-south-america-accusations/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/geohots-lawyer-responds-to-sonys-south-america-accusations/#comments Yesterday, the ballad of hacker George "Geohot" Hotz and his ongoing legal struggle with Sony took a bizarre turn, when the latter claimed Hotz had hampered "jurisdictional discovery" by removing parts of his overturned hard drives, and is currently avoiding trial in South America. Recently, Hotz' legal counsel Stewart Kellar responded to these claims, explaining, "The notion that George has fled the country is absurd."

Kellar added, "George is in South America to see a friend, on a trip he planned before this lawsuit ever began." With regards to the claim that Hotz had sabotaged the hard drives he turned over to Sony, Kellar said Sony is "using intentionally ambiguous language" to turn public opinion against Hotz. "The 'components' SCEA is talking about are hard drives' controller cards," he said, claiming that they had been supplied to the prosecutor.

We've once again contacted Sony for a response (to this response), but given their policy for not commenting on legal issues, we won't bother crossing our fingers.

JoystiqGeohot's lawyer responds to Sony's South America accusations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geohotgeorge-hotzhackjailbreaklawsuitlegalmodplaystationps3ps3-jailbreaksonysouth-americaThu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga Poker hacker sentenced to two years after stealing $11 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/zynga-poker-hacker-sentenced-to-two-years-after-stealing-11-mil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/zynga-poker-hacker-sentenced-to-two-years-after-stealing-11-mil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/zynga-poker-hacker-sentenced-to-two-years-after-stealing-11-mil/#comments 29-year old Devon, England citizen Ashley Mitchell -- who we'll be referring to as "Cyber Danny Ocean" for the remainder of this article -- has been sentenced to two years in prison plus a 30-week suspended sentence for stealing £7 million ($11.4 million) in virtual currency for Zynga Poker. The methods Cyber Danny Ocean used were far less exciting and sophisticated than his cinematic counterpart: He hijacked the accounts of two Zynga employees, added the funds to his account, and re-sold them for a cool £53,612.

How did C.D.O. get caught? He performed said heist while using his neighbor's unsecured Wi-Fi connection. That seems like a pretty obvious slip-up -- we think he did it on purpose, to spare the rest of his crew from ending up in the slammer. We bet that when he gets out, Cyber Brad Pitt is going to be waiting to pick him up, waiting with a pithy remark about his suit. Who's that in the car? Oh, it's Cyber Julia Roberts -- and she's still in love with him! Credits.

JoystiqZynga Poker hacker sentenced to two years after stealing $11 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimehackoceans-elevenpcukzyngazynga-pokerWed, 23 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 plus Atari 2600 equals Ben Heck's latest mod (also 2,960)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xbox-360-plus-atari-2600-equals-ben-hecks-latest-mod-also-2-96/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xbox-360-plus-atari-2600-equals-ben-hecks-latest-mod-also-2-96/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xbox-360-plus-atari-2600-equals-ben-hecks-latest-mod-also-2-96/#comments While not his most practical modification to date, Ben Heck has created one of his most unique consoles yet. Check out Heck's Frankensteinian mash-up of the Xbox 360 and Atari 2600 in the hefty, 23-minute-long video posted here.

Continue reading Xbox 360 plus Atari 2600 equals Ben Heck's latest mod (also 2,960)

JoystiqXbox 360 plus Atari 2600 equals Ben Heck's latest mod (also 2,960) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atari-2600ben-heckconsolehackmicrosoftmodthe-ben-heck-showxboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect PS3 hack is a console purist's worst nightmare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/kinect-ps3-hack-is-a-console-purists-worst-nightmare/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/kinect-ps3-hack-is-a-console-purists-worst-nightmare/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/kinect-ps3-hack-is-a-console-purists-worst-nightmare/#comments They said it couldn't be done, but Shantanu Goel has seemingly done it: married an Xbox 360 and PS3 together through some good, old-fashioned Kinect hackery. In the video past the break, you can see the first small steps for man that is Killzone 3 being played with Kinect. Yes, that is a sentence we never thought we'd have to write.

It's still a bit rough around the edges (a self-professed "pre-Alpha" build of the software), but the progress that Goel claims to have made is quite impressive to behold. It could be faked, but all signs point to this being a legitimate, working Kinect hack, using Kinect PC drivers and software that allows the PS3 to use PC controllers. Goel's posted a walkthrough online for all to see.

Continue reading Kinect PS3 hack is a console purist's worst nightmare

JoystiqKinect PS3 hack is a console purist's worst nightmare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guerilla-gameshackKillzone-3kinectkinect-hacksmicrosoftmodplaystationps3shantanu-goelxboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony granted access to GeoHot's PayPal records]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/sony-granted-access-to-geohots-paypal-records/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/sony-granted-access-to-geohots-paypal-records/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/sony-granted-access-to-geohots-paypal-records/#comments A federal magistrate has authorized Sony to subpoena PayPal for information about California-based funds sent to accounts associated with PS3 jailbreaker George "GeoHot" Hotz, reports Wired's Threat Level blog. The US District Court ruling in San Francisco is the latest development in a jurisdiction dispute to decide whether Sony can proceed with its lawsuit against Hotz in California or must instead do so in Hotz's home state of New Jersey.

Sony alleges that Hotz received donations for his PS3 hack from Northern California residents (via PayPal), and, if true, the evidence could bolster Sony's case to keep the case in San Francisco court. In a court order, Magistrate Joseph Spero defined the "limited information" that PayPal could be ordered to present as "documents sufficient to identify the source of funds in California that went into any PayPal account associated with geohot@gmail.com for the period of January 1, 2009, to February 1, 2011."

Additionally, Judge Spero ordered Hotz to consent to Sony obtaining all of his tweets dating back to Jan. 1, 2009 and to appear in California for a deposition relating "solely" to the jurisdiction matter (with Sony paying for his "reasonable" expenses).

As for Hotz's "impounded devices," a neutral third party, known simply as "The Intelligence Group" (or "TIG"), has been tasked with conducting a "forensically sound" probe of Hotz's encrypted hard drives (and a calculator) for any data related to his PS3 system circumvention hack. Hotz and Sony will split the first $7,000 charged by TIG, with Sony agreeing to pay any additional fees.

[Pictured: George Hotz (screencap); source: G4tv.com]

JoystiqSony granted access to GeoHot's PayPal records originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiadmcageohotgeorge-hotzhackjailbreaklawsuitpaypalplaystationps3sonyThu, 17 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST