Microsoft beta test site hacked

MICROSOFT'S BETA WEBSITE , BetaPlace, was downed by a bunch of hackers who hacked into the security servers and stole the entire database of Microsoft Technical Beta Tester accounts, we learn.

A 'warez' group named iNFLUNCE (or possibly iNFLUENCE) claimed responsibilty, our source says.

The beta site contains test versions of Microsoft software including forthcoming Windows test code. The company says the hackers weren't able to land any source code, but were able to scarper with some "buggy" software.

Here's a Microsoft missive delivered to its testers:

Dear Microsoft Beta Tester,

We are contacting you as it has been brought to our attention that your password may have been compromised. As a precaution, your password has been changed and is listed below.

Upon receipt of this mail you will need to use your new password to regain access to www.betaplace.com and any private newsgroups you currently have access to. If you use .NET Passport to access BetaPlace you may need to reset your Passport account.

Please remember, your password is case sensitive and will need to be entered exactly as shown below.
BetaID: *
Password: *

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your continued interest in testing Microsoft products.

A red-faced Vole later posted this missive on a Microsoft Newsgroup:

Beta Testers,

We continue to experience system problems with both the Windows Beta and BetaPlace sites, and they remain down for maintenance. Thanks for your patience.

Microsoft Beta Services and the Windows Beta Teams

The poor dears. µ