Microsoft confirms 'high-profile' XBL accounts targeted in new hack

Microsoft has acknowledged that a number of "high-profile" Xbox Live accounts held by current and former Microsoft employees have been compromised. According to The Verge, the hackers used employees' Social Security numbers and a form of social engineering to gain unauthorized entry to the Xbox Live accounts.

Microsoft told The Verge that it does not collect or use Social Security numbers for Xbox Live accounts and that the hackers were able to access the accounts through a third-party.

"We are aware that a group of attackers are using several stringed social engineering techniques to compromise the accounts of a handful of high-profile Xbox Live accounts held by current and former Microsoft employees," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

"We are actively working with law enforcement and other affected companies to disable this current method of attack and prevent its further use," the statement goes on. "Security is of critical importance to us and we are working every day to bring new forms of protection to our members."

Microsoft urged Xbox Live users to familiarize themselves with the company's account security guidelines and establish a system of proofs.