XBOX ONE SECURITYGodwin Cajes

CMPT 320-01

Quick Facts- First announced May

21, 2013- Released November 22,

2013 in North America for $499

- Competes with the PS4 and the WII U

- This time shipped with Kinect

WHAT’S UP WITH THE CONSOLE?

Received mixed receptions once the official reveal was made.

On one hand, it was praised for it’s new multimedia capabilities Enhanced TV capabilities

On the other, it was criticized for security concerns, specifically with the Kinect camera.

Kinect 2.0- Includes previous

features from last Kinect like tracking movement.

- New voice command features

- Can track more than just movement

- i.e. a person’s heartbeat

KINECT 2.0: THE PROBLEM

After the official reveal, critics have been talking about how the new Kinect brings up new privacy concerns for the consumer.

The device, although improved for user experience, was subject to criticism because of it’s new features.

These problems directly connected to the fact that when first announced, the new console was required to be connected to the internet 24/7

KINECT 2.0: THE PROBLEM

Required Internet connectivity 24/7 Turns into a privacy concern since at the time since the Kinect was

required to be connected to the Xbox at all times. Concerns of 3rd party viewers having the ability to take a peek into a

person’s home. Transmitting unwanted data back to Microsoft.

MICROSOFT AND THE NSA

First started when Skype (which was bought by Microsoft) was accused of allowing the NSA to listen in on Skype calls Of course Microsoft denied it and simply said that “Skype would be

updated in compliance with the law”

Claimed that the NSA would not be able to use the Kinect to spy on users at home.

Although it might not be completely possible to peek for “security reasons” right now, there is still a possibility that Microsoft might change the policy in the future to “comply with law.”

KINECT 2.0: THE PROBLEM

The software to remotely turn on a camera still exist and could be used by manufacturers or an independent third party. Could be remedied by having a really secure home network.

Privacy Policies could help outline what will or will not be sent back to Microsoft with or without your permission. Could be subject to change in the future.

WHAT COULD BE DONE TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PRIVACY? Review the privacy policy outlined for the Xbox One

See what data you are allowed to be sent and denied back to Microsoft.

See what kind of data is being sent back to the manufacturer.

Get a camera cover

MICROSOFT’S RESPONSE

Since the official reveal of the console and the critiques that came after, Microsoft has made several changes to address the privacy concerns.

This time, no Internet connectivity required Kinect is also not required to be connected to the console

in order for console to work. The company still says that the device doesn’t record or

save any type of voice interaction.

SOURCES

http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/5/5054400/can-your-xbox-one-spy-on-you

http://techland.time.com/2013/05/22/xbox-one-raises-the-burden-of-privacy-safeguards-5-questions-for-microsoft/

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/16/4526770/will-the-nsa-use-the-xbox-one-to-spy-on-your-family

http://gizmodo.com/the-new-xbox-everything-you-need-to-know-about-microso-509033619