Xbox Live problems update 2016: Back to normal after suffering hiccups; hackers claim responsibility
Xbox Live game servers are back to normal. Restored components include the Xbox Live core services, purchase and content usage, website, TV, music, video and social and gaming, based on the Xbox Live Status page.
Gaming activities of Xbox Live players were suddenly halted after the Microsoft's game network was knocked offline last Feb. 23. Members were not able to log on to their respective accounts. Microsoft's team of experts acted swiftly and game service was restored the following day.
Xbox support recognized the issue and started to inform its members through a series of tweets, asking, "Are you unable to purchase/download items from the marketplace? The right teams are on the case!"
Are you unable to purchase/download items from the marketplace? The right teams are on the case! Check: https://t.co/99xfLMWcZW for info!
— Xbox Support (1-5) (@XboxSupport) February 22, 2016
After a few more postings and almost 24 hours, system was restored, which was also announced on Twitter.. "Thanks for sticking with us - purchasing/accessing digital content should be back to normal," the announcement said.
Thanks for sticking with us - purchasing/accessing digital content should be back to normal: https://t.co/99xfLMWcZW pic.twitter.com/JuMzlRc68S
— Xbox Support (1-5) (@XboxSupport) February 23, 2016
Microsoft did not specify the issue with their servers, but a group known as New World Hackers claimed responsibility for the chaos. Express reported that the group launched a series of DDOS attacks on the Microsoft Xbox network, which put its core services down.
Newsweek was contacted by the New World Hackers.
"Well, didn't even take as long as I thought," they said. "We attacked Xbox to protest. Major companies like this have massive servers but no real protection. We want Xbox to update the protection they have, which isn't much."
The group also tweeted about its Xbox attack, "It is about time XBOX dies. @XboxSupport @XBOX @KEEMSTAR Enjoy the outage.. Half of U.S #OFFLINE All of Europe #OFFLINE #NwHackers."
It is about time XBOX dies.@XboxSupport @XBOX @KEEMSTAR
— ☠New World Hackers☠ (@NewWorldHacking) February 22, 2016
Enjoy the outage..
Half of U.S #OFFLINE
All of Europe #OFFLINE#NwHackers
Last January, members of Xbox Live also suffered a massive connection problem in its network, for which the New World Hackers also claimed responsibility.
In other Xbox Live news, Xbox Live Games with Gold members will be having their new set of free games starting March 1. The line-up includes "Supreme Commander 2," "Borderlands," "Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishment," and "Lords of the Fallen."
