How to Avoid Getting Doxxed on Xbox

Last month, this toddler spam invited me to a BF2 party. Though it’s thoughtless, I joined. He inherently began trash talking, “Oh, you are in XYZ, and on range? Watch my video.”

If I had not quit the party, he’d probably have doxxed me and done anything with the information. Anyway, I instantly reported him on Xbox.

Xbox has developed over time to become a social gaming experience. You can enjoy audio chats, watch videos, and consume various other content.

There are rogue Xbox players who crave nuisance. Like most social media platforms and gaming applications, Xbox users (players) can easily get doxxed.

Secure Your Account

Every application on Xbox downloaded from the Microsoft Store requests permission to access your console data. You can control how Microsoft uses this data.

Troy Hunt, a security specialist at Have I Been Pwned? reported a September 2015 Xbox hack that affected the Xbox 360 and PSP ISOs. These consoles host download files. You can imagine what data breaches can cost gamers.

Here are additional ways you can undertake to avoid getting doxxed on Xbox.

1. Use a secure email address

If you used an email address other than the Microsoft-provided one, you should update it. This way, your account cannot be easily compromised. Also, refrain from using your corporate or burner email addresses.

2. Secure your saved profile on consoles

You can secure your profile by changing your password only with Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S consoles. For Xbox 360, you can remove your profile on all the consoles that saved your password.Below are the steps to follow;

Sign in to your Xbox account at xbox.com. Select Gamertag>Xbox profile>Privacy settings>XboxSettings>Xbox 360 profile protection>Require profile Download

By so doing, you minimize the chances of doxxers finding loopholes to dox you. After all, most of the doxxing occur out of our recklessness.

An ESET IT security expert shares his opinion concerning passwords and websites, "Often people using seemingly low-security websites don't enforce good password security because it's not a financial target. But all data has a value and will be reused for other purposes. Every website should be treated as unique and require different passwords with a mix of usernames if possible."

3. Add additional security information to your Xbox Microsoft account

It would be wise to provide Microsoft with your alternative contact addresses. Submit another email address and phone number. You will always rest assured of getting informed of any account changes.

You have the option to choose the address where changes are sent. If you wish to add the details right now, do it here.

4. Update your gaming gadget and browser

Updated real-time security features of web, desktop, and mobile applications are a must-have for your online (even offline) security. Doxxers exploit your vulnerabilities to access and use these tools for malice. To ensure up-to-date security fixes, visit the OS website and follow instructions.

For Windows, do it here. And for Mac, follow these steps.

5. Install Security tools

It is pretty weird to go online, surf, interact and play games without installing or updating security tools when it’s due. What are the doxxers' tools of the trade? Devices and websites without these tools or add ons make the ideal environments for the attackers to camp.

Hackers and doxxers can be anybody; neighbor, friend, soulmate, name them. Cybersecurity keenness does not necessarily require rocket science to observe. For example, a doxxer can get control of your Xbox console account with a click-of-a-button in malware and steal your credentials.

Many reviewers have recommended Bitdefender as the best tool for gamers. You can check it.

6. Always turn on your browser phishing filters

Your browser can detect phishing websites when it has filters. It will not allow you to download and install malicious software applications on your device. The browser will always alert you of spammy websites and web pages.

Attacks are launched through spamware and malware. Be sure not to become an easy target.

7. Create awareness within your circle (family, friends)

Microsoft accounts, products, and services are recommendable and lucrative. A potential doxxer may take this advantage to lure and entice your family or fellow gamers with it.

Can you imagine getting an Xbox Live Gold for free? Unfortunately, this and other lies may get your email and password stolen and misused. Passwords can have flaws, just like 5-year-old tech-savvy Kristofer discovered.

Note: If already signed in to an account, Microsoft will never prompt you to key in your password to win a promotion.

8. Use 2FA for sign-in on another device

You can remove your password and sign in to your Microsoft Xbox account on another gadget. Then, it becomes difficult for a doxxer to access your account even if they have your password.

With two-step authentication on, you receive a security code to your email address or phone number or an authenticator application whenever you/you’re signed in on an untrusted device. When 2FA is off, you will periodically use security codes whenever a potential account security breach is detected.

For more information about “Signed in somewhere” alerts, visit Xbox support.

9. Check your Xbox account for Fishy Activity

Upon signing in, make sure you review your account's recent activities. Select the This wasn’t me option in case of any suspicious activity. Xbox support correspondent will change your password. But if you changed immediately after noticing peculiar access, you can proceed.

1. Go to Security>Sign-in activity>View my activity.
2. Verify your identity with a security code. Your information is sensitive. Select the Protect your account option and choose how you’d like to receive the security code. Select the Send code option
3. The screen displays the Enter code where you enter the code sent to you.
4. You can then review account activity for any fishy actions. In case of any, consider changing your password instantly.

Wrapping up

Doxxing on Xbox is equally as easy as avoiding the risk. Gamers are on the rise daily. But, unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions on the internet. Others want to test their hacking capabilities, while others want to exploit your reckless potential.

Always remember to use secure email addresses for your Xbox account log-ins. Make sure your profile is protected on all your open consoles. Do not let any genuinely ( others may be spammy) available update pass you. But beware of enticement. There’s no “free lunch.”

It may be game over for your confidential information.

To report a suspicious individual, prompt the Xbox controller to access the guide. You will find them in “People.” Select by clicking them, and then choose a label to either Block or Report.