Microsoft's Seven Tips To Avoid Being Scammed Online

Microsoft's Seven Tips To Avoid Phishing
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With thousands of Xbox Live gamers tricked out of hundreds of pounds by organised criminals recently, it's time to check your online safety.

While this high-profile phishing attack has made headlines, phishing remains an ongoing issue for all online service providers, and these gamers are not alone.

A Microsoft spokesperson told Huffington Post: "In this case, a number of Xbox LIVE members appear to have recently been victim of malicious phishing scams. That means online attempts to acquire personal information such as passwords, user names and credit card details by purporting to be a legitimate company."

"We can confirm that only a small percentage of Xbox LIVE customers have been affected here in the UK," she added.

Microsoft insists that it is vigilant at all times regarding the security of Xbox LIVE customers, and encrypts all private data provided by users.

The company's top tips for all Xbox Live players apply to anyone using any type of online service. Replace the mentions of Xbox from any of the online security tips below, and replace with the services you use - the same cautions apply.

Microsoft's top tips for online Xbox Live security:

1. Create a strong password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (for example, #, $, %, ^, &, and *)

2. Change your password and secret question and secret answer routinely. When resetting your password, you can choose to make your password expire every 72 days

3. Never share your Windows Live ID password with others

4. Share your Windows Live ID only with people you know personally, such as friends and business contacts, with whom you wish to use Windows Live Messenger

5. Use a secret question with a secret answer that only you know

6. Do not provide your Windows Live ID to unknown websites, businesses, or message boards

7. Do not share your password or personal information with anyone contacting you who is presenting themselves as a customer support agent or affiliated with Xbox or Microsoft.