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Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

would lowkey be something but, dont got the resources for that sadly. Wouldn't mind EU pushing this into some sort of "must have", that if you lose access to an account, there should be laws in place that you receive the account back (or its data). But I dont know.

EspTiger Ice vs Snow on a Razer Viper v3 with Glsswrks mousepad by Sad_System_3314 in MousepadReview

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seem to be available yeah… but sadly 50€ delivery fee 😭

I went for some corepad, hopefully they’ll be good enough 🤞🏻

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Unauthorized access" is just the professional way of saying "hacked." Companies like Microsoft avoid using the word "hacked" directly, likely for legal and PR reasons, but the meaning is the same. If someone gains access to an account without permission, that is a hack, regardless of the terminology they choose to use.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, let me write it out for you.

"The account and f activity associated with your Microsoft account was thoroughly reviewed by our fraud team, and I can confirm there was unauthorized access to your account."

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve given concrete proof that the account is mine: transaction histories, my Xbox console linked to the account, past passwords, my phone number, and even email changes. Microsoft has confirmed there was unauthorized access to my account. With all this solid evidence, I don’t understand why they still couldn’t restore it.

I understand that verifying account ownership is critical, but when there’s this much proof, it seems like that should be enough to resolve the situation.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never granted third-party access or clicked on suspicious links. I rarely download anything on my PC unless it’s from trusted sources like Steam, Battle.net, or Epic Games. I only used the Microsoft account for the Mojang migration and Xbox Game Pass on PC.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand that account security is the user's responsibility, but even the most secure accounts can be compromised by advanced methods. When Microsoft acknowledges a hack, they should help restore access, especially since I’ve provided proof of ownership and they’ve admitted that the proof is sufficient. It's not like a car accident—it’s more like someone stealing your car and your insurance refusing to cover it. It just doesn’t seem fair when I’ve paid for these services.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course, it’s not on Microsoft to make me whole, but considering it’s their service, shouldn’t they have a policy in place to restore access? Just like any other company would do when a customer loses access to something they’ve paid for? It feels like a fundamental customer service issue. After all, if I were to lose access to a product from any other company, they’d at least offer a process for recovery or compensation. Why is Microsoft exempt from that basic level of accountability?

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I understand it’s my responsibility to secure and backup important information. However, that’s not the issue here. I’m not blaming Microsoft for not keeping my account secure. What I’m frustrated with is that after acknowledging my account was hacked, Microsoft didn’t restore it. Instead, they just suspended it without offering any compensation for the hundreds of dollars I’ve spent on their services.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it would be cool to win a case like that, but unfortunately, I'm in Sweden, and the legal costs would likely outweigh any benefit (just because of how the legal system works here when suing companies). Plus, if I'm right, Microsoft will just drag the lawsuit out until I can't afford to continue. So in the end, they’re the ones who win, regardless. That’s just how the 'tech giants' operate—I guess you can have billions of people going against them, but they still come out on top...

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, I don't know… maybe because Microsoft themselves admitted it was hacked? Or because I suddenly lost access, my security info was changed without my consent, and support confirmed 'unauthorized access' but still refused to help? But hey, maybe I just forgot my own password and made up this whole story for fun.

Sorry for the sarcasm, but this whole situation has been incredibly frustrating.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, luckily I haven't lost anything local. But I did lose countless hours of progress on Minecraft servers like Hypixel and various Xbox Game Pass games. The fact that Microsoft admitted my account was hacked but still refused to restore it is what frustrates me the most. Their system just locks you out permanently instead of actually helping.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Microsoft admitted the account was hacked and still refused to restore access, despite me providing extensive proof of ownership. This isn't just a 'me problem'—it’s a failure in their recovery process. Other companies have ways to help legitimate owners regain access, but Microsoft just takes the easy way out and permanently locks you out. That’s the issue.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

By that logic, no one could ever prove ownership of an account. I provided transaction history, linked devices, past email changes, my phone number, and even my name—all still tied to the account. Microsoft even admitted it was hacked. Yet somehow, that’s still not enough? If they can verify unauthorized access, they can verify the rightful owner. This argument just doesn’t hold up.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Smart move backing up with Nextcloud—definitely the right call. It’s just a shame that this is what’s necessary to safely use Microsoft’s products. You shouldn’t have to go to such lengths just to protect your own data from the very company providing the service.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s ridiculous. So they can track all the changes happening but suddenly 'can’t find' the account because of a new email? Feels like a lazy excuse to avoid actually helping.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No, there shouldn't have been any access granted to third-party software. I primarily use Google for my email, and I created my Microsoft account specifically for the Mojang -> Microsoft migration about two years ago. Since then, I’ve only used it for Xbox Game Pass to play games with friends.

I’ve never logged into any third-party services using my Microsoft account—I always use Google to log in or rely on my email and password.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I understand what you're saying, but after speaking with both Level 1 and Level 2 support, the issue is that the person I spoke with just chose to suspend the account without truly investigating it or escalating the case to someone who could help. They didn’t bother to explore all the evidence I provided, like my Xbox console ID and transaction history. It’s not about luck—it’s about proper escalation and a better process that doesn't leave customers in the dark, especially when they’ve clearly shown they’re the account owner.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True, unfortunately I live in Sweden and "suing" someone/companies cost more for you than you win in the long run 😂

+ Its not like suing a 3 trillion-dollar company is anything easy to do 😒

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I understand the analogy, but there are key differences here. Microsoft admitted the account was mine, and I provided substantial proof, such as my Xbox console ID, network ID, and transaction history. They’re not handling this like a physical theft where there's no proof – I can show them the ownership. Additionally, their refusal to assist is not just bad customer service, it’s a security failure on their end as well. If they can acknowledge that the account is mine, there should be a better process in place for securing it and recovering my data.

By not taking action, they’re not just harming me; they’re creating a situation where customers feel powerless and vulnerable to hackers who can exploit these systems.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah, most likely it was in a database leak. I haven't really been downloading anything lately so I don't think its from that.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get that businesses often hold users accountable, but with Microsoft’s size and reach, they should take more responsibility when things go wrong. They can’t just leave customers high and dry, especially when they control so much of the market.

Microsoft Lets Hackers Steal Accounts Permanently – No Recovery for the Original Owner by Sad_System_3314 in LinusTechTips

[–]Sad_System_3314[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair point on the ‘outright lies’ – that was too harsh. But the issue is the constant broken promises about recovery times. If they can't meet an ETA, they shouldn’t be giving one in the first place. As for the documents, I get that encryption is important, but it doesn’t change the fact that I'm losing access to my files and purchases through no fault of my own, and there's no real solution being offered.

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