Xbox hacker group threatens Microsoft over Linux
Rob Fahey 16:12 30/06/2003
Redmond on the receiving end of blackmail as Xbox security is breached again
A team of researchers claim to have found a new way to make the Xbox boot the Linux operating system without using a mod chip, and is threatening to release details unless Microsoft approves an official system for running Xbox Linux.
The hackers involved, who are believed to be based in Australia, want Microsoft to release an official boot loader for the Xbox which will enable the use of the Linux operating system on consoles without any security bypasses.
If Microsoft won't discuss this with them, they say, they'll release information about their new Xbox hack onto the Internet - which will equally allow the running of Linux on the Xbox, but would also by its nature have the side effect of enabling the running of pirated games on the console.
The group's threat, which sounds suspiciously like blackmail to us, became public when they approached ZDNet Australia after repeated attempts to contact Microsoft failed. Microsoft now says the issue is with its piracy division.
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