A recent study at Drexel University found that hackers with an old Xbox 360 console, the right tools and some knowhow might be able to access stored credit card information even after the hard drive was wiped out.
However, Microsoft, which makes the Xbox 360, says this type of occurrence is unlikely, according to a report from
ZD Net. In particular, it notes that the problem with this theory is that the Xbox console itself doesn’t store any credit card information on its own. The study had been conducted using a refurbished Xbox purchased from a certified reseller.
"[W]hen Microsoft refurbishes used consoles we have processes in place to wipe the local hard drives of any other user data," Microsoft said, according to the site. "We can assure Xbox owners we take the privacy and security of their personal data very seriously."
Adam Levin, chairman of
Identity Theft 911, has a blog about the issues consumers face when entering their credit card information into various devices, and what they can do to help ensure their data is safe.
© 2003-2012 IDentity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights Reserved