XBOX-HQ.COM - Microsoft Bans 23K Xbox Live Users

Microsoft has issued a one-day Xbox Live ban to 23,000 Xbox 360 owners who took advantage of an exploit allowing unauthorized gamers to take part in the restricted Call of Duty 4 multiplayer beta.

The bans were reportedly administered after it emerged that players with valid beta keys were able to sign in on another Xbox 360 and download the beta for that console, allowing access to users who didn’t possess a beta key.

The exploit has since been resolved and Microsoft has flexed its muscle in a bid to deter similar attempts in the future, warning that repeat offenders could be subject to permanent Xbox Live bans.

"Approximately 23k consoles were used to take advantage of this exploit to illegitimately access the COD4 beta", Microsoft said in an emailed statement posted at Xbox-obsessed site Xbox-Scene. "The exploit has been fixed to prevent any additional users from illegitimately accessing the COD4 beta.

“The current POR is to issue a 24-hour console lockout that will prevent these 23k users from using their consoles to sign in to LIVE. These users will also receive a message in the dash with an explanation as to why their console has been locked out for 24 hours for violating the LIVE TOU [Terms of Use] and a warning that more severe actions may be taken if they attempt a similar action in the future (console could be banned permanently, etc.)."

News-Source: http://www.next-gen.biz