Microsoft is investigating reports that the Live system is being targeted by hackers.

The reports suggest hackers are using data flooding tools with the objective of "booting" players off the network.

Facetime Communications' Malware expert Chris Boyd explained the situation to the BBC: "They get your IP address, put it in the booter tool and they attempt to flood the port that uses Xbox traffic. Flooding that port prevents any traffic getting out."

This method of hacking is by no means new, but reports of this activity on the network are becoming more frequent.

The news of the hacks follows earlier concerns over XBL Gamertags expiring, an issue which is also investigating.

By James Wallis