Despite Microsoft working to ensure the security of its Xbox Live network, the company has encouraged users to check their security information and update their passwords in a community blog post today. It's a cruel (virtual) world out there, folks.

It's all part of new security measures that Microsoft is employing, measures that began with the spring update issued last month. The update helped Microsoft "build on security enhancements for the near future," says Xbox Live general manager Alex Garden.

Xbox Live took its share of security lumps this year, including claims of a FIFA hack and purported Windows Live ID problems. In the community post, Microsoft also provides some general internet security tips - in case you didn't know it was a bad idea to use the same password for every site you've ever logged onto.