As you may have noticed, the PlayStation Network has undergone a series of attacks that have forced Sony to take it offline for the past week – and it looks like the outage will be going on for a while longer, as the company tries to figure out what PSN user information was compromised during the attack. Now, for the time being, Xbox Live subscribers aren’t in any danger, though the likelihood of a similar attack hitting the service is right up there. So, to play it safe, we highly suggest following these steps to keep your information safe. It may sound a little unnecessary, but trust us, it’ll save you some headaches in the long run.
Try to keep your account on one system: While it may be somewhat easy to transfer over your Xbox Live account information from one system to another via account recovery, it also poses the danger of sharing your information across multiple consoles. If you can, try to keep your information on one console, without the need to transfer it around. Take advantage of Microsoft’s save transfer tools, such as memory cards and detachable hard drives, rather than recovering the account electronically. That definitely shortens the risk of others accessing your account.
Use Microsoft point cards: While it seems easy to make online purchases using your credit card, as PlayStation Network has proven, the information isn’t always secure. Someone, some way, has a chance of accessing it through the right circles. That’s why Microsoft’s point cards, which are sold at retailers everywhere and online through Amazon.com, are a saving grace. Using these cards, you can automatically unlock points onto your account, which in turn can be spent on games through Xbox Live Arcade and Games On Demand, as well as online merchandise, such as DLC and Avatar gear. It may seem like a little extra footwork, but it really pays off. For that matter, same goes with Xbox Live renewal cards. Easiest thing ever.
Report anyone who gives you suspicious guff: Not every Xbox Live user is created equal. There are some folks out there that are truly malicious – and we don’t just mean the folks that flash their genetalia during a round of Uno. There are people who will try and hack into your Xbox Live account. If you get a threat that goes too far or think someone might be plotting personal revenge against you (with proof, mind you – don’t just report someone because they’re an asshole), then follow the steps to report suspicious behavior to Microsoft. Believe it or not, they’re actually paying attention. (Oh, and definitely do the same for those who like showing off on Uno. Yech.)
Don’t share your information: Obviously this is a given, but we cannot profess this tip enough. Sharing any given information with folks, even your friends, makes it susceptible for sabotaging your account, and thus, your personal information, including credit card info. Keep a password in mind that you – and only you (or your loved ones) – will keep in mind, and don’t let on to others that you’re using it.
Keep an eye on your points and purchases: Finally, do some simple accounting and keep a close eye on your account balance. There are times the value may go up due to the Xbox Live Rewards program, obviously, but what you want to watch out for is when it goes down due to an unapproved purchase or whatnot. Keep tabs on it, and make sure you only spend points on what you want to spend points on.
Follow these simple tips and your Xbox Live account will be safe and secure…provided Microsoft doesn’t run into any blackouts. Er, maybe we shouldn’t jinx it, eh?
