Source code for the upcoming Xbox Series X video game console has been stolen by a hacker and is being ransomed for $100million
- A hacker claims to have found unsecure files for the next Xbox console’s GPU
- The hacker is asking for $100million for access to files, which also include source code for AMD’s new PC-focused graphics chips
- Graphics card manufacturer AMD confirmed the hack and says they are working with law enforcement on a criminal investigation
A hacker has stolen source code for the graphics processor in the upcoming Xbox Series X games console and is demanding a $100million ransom for the files.
Computer component manufacturer AMD first confirmed the theft in a brief statement posted on their website.
The company said they had initially been contacted in December by a person claiming to have ‘test files related to a subset of our current and future graphics products.’
A hacker has taken source code for the graphics processor in the upcoming Xbox Series X games console and is ransoming it for $100million
Part of the files include code related to AMD’s Arden graphics processor, which was designed for the Xbox Series X games consoles, currently scheduled for release in the fall of 2020.
The hacker also took source files for AMD’s Navi 10 and Navi 21 graphics chips, which are intended for use in PCs.
In an interview with TorrentFreak, the hacker says she originally found the files on an unsecured computer in November of 2019.
‘The source code was unexpectedly achieved from an unprotected computer//server through some exploits,’ she said.
‘I later found out about the files inside it. They weren’t even protected properly or even encrypted with anything which is just sad.’
The source code was briefly made public on Github, but was quickly taken down again after AMD registered a series of DMCA claims.
The hacker initially posted the files on Github but AMD was able to get them taken down with DMCA claims. Now, the hacker claims if their ransom price isn’t met they’ll likely release the files for free
AMD confirmed the hack and said it’s working with law enforcement on a criminal investigation into the matter
The hacker says she would release the code for $100million, but,’If I get no buyer I will just leak everything.’
AMD says they’re currently working with law enforcement officials on a criminal investigation into the matter.
According to the hacker, no one from the company has yet been in contact with her.
‘I haven’t spoken to AMD about it because I am pretty sure that instead of accepting their mistake and moving on, they will try to sue me,’ she said.
‘So why not just leak it to everyone?’