Minkley: Identity theft "not a specific problem to videogames"

Eurogamer's Johnny Minkley told BBC News this morning that getting your details nicked online isn't more likely to happen just because you're a gamer.

His comments came after a research firm estimated that between 30,000-35,000 Live account details per year are being sold through avenues such as IRC rooms for as little as £3 a piece.

"There's not a specific problem to videogames," he said, noting that "huge teams" were involved in Live security at Microsoft.

The answer for consumers, Minkley said, was simply to be aware of the issue.

"You're talking to people, you're relating to people," he added.

"You just have to be careful about the information you're giving out."

"Social engineering" - the art of essentially grooming people into giving out personal data - was mentioned, but it was noted that all financial information, such as credit card details, is often ghosted out on online gaming platforms even if others do gain access.

He's on again at 9.10am BST on BBC1.