Minecraft Hackers Post A Whole Bunch Of Nonpublic Login Details Online

Microsoft was in the news during the Christmas season when its Xbox One service was infiltrated by hackers, and it is now experiencing the same issue.

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

With access to these details Security experts warn that criminals can gain access to accounts, alter settings and even purchase virtual goods.

The hack was revealed by Heise Online, and many of the verified accounts (selection pictured) are believed to be belonging to German gamers. It is not known how the hackers gained access on the credentials, but security analyst Graham Cluely wrote : 'Possibilities include phishing attacks, malware, or even a security breach'

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

It is not known how the hackers got their hands on the credentials, but 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 information as they sign into the game, or an attack on Minecraft itself.

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"Let's hope that it's not the last one, since the game has more than 100 million registered users.

However a Microsoft spokesperson told MailOnline"We can confirm that there was not a Mojang.net service was compromised. nbjyxspa

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

Minecraft was created in 2009.

A character is placed into the "virtually infinite" game world at the start of the game.

To build cities and towns players are provided with blocks and tools.

The game was originally developed for the PC but there are now Xbox 360 and mobile versions available.'

The hack isn't huge in comparison to the number of registered users.

However, as Mr. Cluely pointed out that if unauthorised players exploited the passwords and email addresses, they could not only log into other people's gameworlds, but also download a full version of the game, which is usually sold for EUR19.95 Euros ($26.95 or PS17.95).'

Cybercriminals can also get access to an individual's email address to hack other accounts or send malware, or even send spam.

Mr. Cluely added that there's no guarantee that the hacker who made this current list also has more in their back pockets.'

Microsoft purchased Mojang in September in a deal that was said to be worth $2.5 billion (PS1.5 billion).

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

MailOnline was confirmed by an Microsoft spokesperson that no Mojang.net services were compromised. While the amount of information revealed is not that big when compared to the game's 100,000,000,000 users and players, Mr. Cluely said that there's no guarantee that the hacker who published the list of details had more information in their back pockets'.

A character is placed into the virtual world of infinite space at the beginning of the game. The character can then explore various terrains, such as forests, mountains and caves.

The game has become an international phenomenon with more than 16645,000 players buying it.

YouTube channels are available that show people how to play the game. In some cases owners are able to quit their jobs to promote.