Microsoft Attempting To Acquire Domain Name Of Fake Halo 4 Beta Site

The Halo 4 publisher recently filed a complaint to the National Arbitration Forum to acquire the domain Halo4beta.net, which had been posing as a Halo 4 Beta registration site.

343 Industries David Ellis had already warned fans via his Twitter account that the site was fake. In response the domain was taken down by its owner -- and still comes up as "suspended" today. However, Microsoft's new filing -- if successful -- would give the company ownership of the domain. Microsoft had already taken similar action to buy the domain Halo4.com for an undisclosed sum of money.

It is not known if the fraudulent Halo 4 beta site was being used for fraud or "phishing" purposes.

News tip and story via: Fusible.com

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Microsoft Responds To Xbox Live Phishing Scams

Microsoft claims the recent string of overseas phishing attempts against Xbox Live members is not a result of the service being hacked.

One such phishing scam was detailed on a Tumblr blog called “Hacked on Xbox.” User Susan Taylor had her Xbox Live account illegally accessed by someone who apparently then purchased a Family Gold Pack under her name and gifted points to other accounts that are later sold through online auctions.

In total, Taylor lost $300 from her PayPal account and has since been refunded for her troubles.

“Microsoft can confirm that there has been no breach to the security of our Xbox Live service. In recent cases, some Xbox Live members appear to have been victims of malicious scams,” a spokesperson said. “Unfortunately this is something that affects many Internet based services.

“The online safety of Xbox Live members remains of the utmost importance, which is why we consistently take measures to protect Xbox Live against ever-changing threats.  However, we are aware that a handful of customers have experienced problems getting their accounts restored once they’ve reported an issue,” the company added.

“We are working directly with those customers to restore their accounts as soon as possible and are reviewing our processes to ensure a positive customer support experience.”

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[Update] Nintendo, Sony, And Microsoft Never Pulled Back On Supporting SOPA

The list in question, referenced below, never actually featured the names of Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo. The three companies in question signed themselves onto a letter from the US Chamber of Commerce which urged Congress to support something like SOPA, but it was never an official endorsement of the act itself. This letter was signed before SOPA was brought forward.

These companies are in favor of an act like SOPA, but have never, technically, endorsed the actual SOPA. This means that their names didn't suddenly disappear from the list of companies supporting SOPA, it just means they were never included to begin with.

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Microsoft Flight Will Be Free

The successor to Microsoft's long-running Flight Simulator series will be hitting Windows PCs this spring -- and it won't cost you a thing.

The game seeks to give hardcore aviators the realistic, detailed controls that was the hallmark of the Flight Simulator series while providing a more accessible point of entry for novice pilots.

After downloading the game for free, you'll be able to instantly fly around the gorgeous Big Island of Hawaii. Also, if you sign in with your Games for Windows Live account, you'll get bonus content like a Boeing Stearman plane, new missions, and access to Achievements. After that, Microsoft will offer additional for-pay content like new aircraft and areas.

For more on the game, go to the official site. You can sign up for the Microsoft Flight beta here.

Source: Major Nelson

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Microsoft Opens Door For Larger, More Affordable XBLA Indie Games

Opfer der Seele commented on Matt Helgeson's post about Tomb Raider Studio Crystal Dynamics Developing New IP. Home Platforms Nintendo Wii Nintendo DS PlayStation 3 PC PSP Xbox 360 3DS Wii U PlayStation Vita All News Reviews Previews Explore Features Guides Site Activity Editor Blogs Podcasts Review Archive The Vault Site Help Take Part Blogs Forums Guides Contests Groups Polls Newsletter Sign-up Magazine Read Current Issue Subscribe Contact Customer Service Review Archive Cover Gallery Hubs South ParkRainbow 6Fall of CybertronThe GI ShowReplayGamer CultureReiner & PhilThe Quick 15Spoiled!RSS FeedsImpulseRespec RadioMore... Home News RSS for Posts recent news related posts News by Matt Helgeson on January 04, 2012 at 03:52 PM 2,443 Views 25

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