SOME PLAYSTATION®NETWORK AND QRIOCITY™ SERVICES TO BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
Phased Global Rollout of Services to Begin Regionally;
System Security Enhanced to Provide Greater Protection of Personal Information
Tokyo, May 1, 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) announced they will shortly begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity™ services, beginning with gaming, music and video services to be turned on. The company also announced both a series of immediate steps to enhance security across the network and a new customer appreciation program to thank its customers for their patience and loyalty.
Following a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI quickly turned off the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, engaged multiple expert information security firms over the course of several days and conducted an extensive audit of the system. Since then, the company has implemented a variety of new security measures to provide greater protection of personal information. SNEI and its third-party experts have conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. With these measures in place, SCE and SNEI plan to start a phased rollout by region of the services shortly. The initial phase of the rollout will include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
-This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games - Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
- Access to account management and password reset
- Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
- PlayStation®Home
- Friends List
- Chat Functionality
Working closely with several outside security firms, the company has implemented significant security measures to further detect unauthorized activity and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information. The company is also creating the position of Chief Information Security Officer, directly reporting to Shinji Hasejima, Chief Information Officer of Sony Corporation, to add a new position of expertise in and accountability for customer data protection and supplement existing information security personnel. The new security measures implemented include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
- Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
- Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
- Implementation of additional firewalls
The company also expedited an already planned move of the system to a new data center in a different location that has been under construction and development for several months. In addition, PS3 will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service. As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data.
The company is conducting a thorough and on-going investigation and working with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for the illegal intrusion.
“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry. These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security. We take the security of our consumers’ information very seriously and are committed to helping our consumers protect their personal data. In addition, the organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back online, and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “Our global audience of PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers was disrupted. We have learned lessons along the way about the valued relationship with our consumers, and to that end, we will be launching a customer appreciation program for registered consumers as a way of expressing our gratitude for their loyalty during this network downtime, as we work even harder to restore and regain their trust in us and our services.”
Complimentary Offering and “Welcome Back” Appreciation Program
While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.
The company will also rollout the PlayStation Network and Qriocity “Welcome Back” program, to be offered worldwide, which will be tailored to specific markets to provide our consumers with a selection of service options and premium content as an expression of the company’s appreciation for their patience, support and continued loyalty.
Central components of the “Welcome Back” program will include:
- Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
- All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
- Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.
Additional “Welcome Back” entertainment and service offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as the company returns the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services to the quality standard users have grown to enjoy and strive to exceed those exceptions.
SNEI will continue to reinforce and verify security for transactions before resuming the PlayStation®Store and other Qriocity operations, scheduled for this month.
For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit https://blog.us.playstation.com. or https://blog.eu.playstation.com/
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
Those hackers and those who keep saying “PSN is up” when it isn’t.. if one day they get into a car accident and become terminally paralyzed, let’s just say, I wouldn’t be sad. :)
Not that I wish harm upon people. Oh no, that’s terrible. :(
@282 I wonder why people cant leave the cross game chat alone. If sony wanted to implement it they would have done so.
lol
lol@yazter
I got lazy when I saw so many letters x.x
Anyway can’t wait to have it back =)
im glad its this week and good job guys its not easy building a new infrastructre, im glad that u r also giving us psn plus thnx 4 dat and ill be loyal :)
@mixedkidbx “coment 214” I have to agree with you..I also feel it is a slight of hand kind of trick, get “Kids” to forget about what is real. To be honest, I enjoy gaming but not after what has occurred. There is only a few here commenting and there are those who don’t even come here and talk, some have already left with out saying a word. It will be interesting to see How many there are still left. I thought long and hard and will remain on 5.55. Sony has to prove them selves before I even think about updating my console.
Sony are being sued in the United States, with separate cases filed in California over the last few days. Both cases are accusing Sony of being negligent by breaking its contract with users, and are seeking damages and class-action status. So just let you know there are 2 confirmed cases thus far.
Sony’s “failure to use reasonable care and maintain appropriate security procedures” was a significant factor in the intrusion. “Sony broke its contract and violated its customers’ trust,” said Caleb Marker, an attorney representing plaintiffs in the Los Angeles lawsuit, which is also seeking class action status. “This has caused, and continues to cause, millions of consumers fear, apprehension, and damage,” the filing said.
B Real Should i find that post he put a while back about xbox 360 and ps3 copy and paste it right here
LOL It’s only took them what 30 years to fix it. it’s not THAT bad, I’m sure Xbox will fix their stuff in few days
O. Bin laden is dead guys!!
+ datastorm98632 on May 1st, 2011 at 7:22 pm said:
“Sony’s “failure to use reasonable care and maintain appropriate security procedures” was a significant factor in the intrusion”
I have every confidence in Sony and it’s intentions. I think posts like this only tend to fan the flames of discontent. These lawsuits are being done by opportunists – people who seek to make a profit from the misery of others. They don’t care whether the PSN survives or fails, but as long as they themselves come out ahead. For the opportunists, it doesn’t matter that the PSN had been attacked by hackers with the intent to disrupt or destroy the PSN. It’s the fact that Sony has billions of dollars that brings about these actions, and using the attack as an excuse to justify their lawsuits. Please note that none of that all of the participants in these lawsuits have not been affected by the Network attack because they are opportunists.
It’s sad that in this day and age of economic strife, a handful of greedy opportunists will seek to profit from our tragedy. Even if it mean the destruction of Sony and the PlayStation Network.
Playing with honor and respect.
+ datastorm98632 on May 1st, 2011 at 7:22 pm said:
Sony’s “failure to use reasonable care and maintain appropriate security procedures” was a significant factor in the intrusion. “Sony broke its contract and violated its customers’ trust,” said Caleb Marker, an attorney representing plaintiffs in the Los Angeles lawsuit, which is also seeking class action status.”
These plaintiffs are opportunists who seek to profit from our tragedy. They have no shame in taking advantage of the attack for their own good. If they truly believe that Sony is to blame, I hope they do the right thing and close all of their accounts and rid themselves of the pesky PS3.
I doubt that they will do that.
Bye bye Bin Laden!
*applauds all the troops* GREAT JOB GUYS!
eh what’s been laden got to do with PSN? talk about Off topic!
Just to piss off Datastorm
Woo Hoo! Bin Laden’s *DEAD*
There’s some *REAL* Offline SOCOM action! Some US SOCOM forces said, “FSCK waitin’ around for PSN to come back online. Let’s go multi-player co-op on Bin Lade’s @$$! offline! Who’s in?”
See, I brought it back on topic!
The COD addicts caught word that Bin Laden hacked the network…he’s gone now.
Can I have backwards compatibility instead of PS+? Pretty please? :) THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK!!! I’ll be glad just to be back online. You guys rule!
hurry
Here is some good news at least… Bin Laden is dead!
Tomorrow is Tuesday, will PSN come after–wards?
Cuz we, we, we so excited
@K1773r37f Yeah, very mature . Ahh I See Sony is back at making a profit, They’ll need as much as they can get with what lays a head for them.
Why are people asking for BW compatability? dont people know it has to be a built in emulator or whatever to play ps2 games, so why dont you and the cross game chat form a group in things that are never gonna be on the ps3. >:|
Eh, no one knows the date nor time as of yet, I think there sill needing to run Tests…Have you ever physically seen how many severs there are lol? To move that many takes time not to mention reconnecting the lines and the testing the Software. I think the relocating of the servers was probably just to put them in a newer building . But the way Sony is making it sound like is that the hacker accessed the building’s lines them selves lol…I do not think that happened. That would be trespassing . Also accessing a server site..not a good Idea lol.
@Data It was an inside Job so sony could eventually charge us money for “security” reasons
Well, I could believe it, thought I find it odd that they Just happened to be building a new location when this occurred..But if indeed it was an inside job, that would be a scam and I don’t think Sony Could Survive that .
and as I look at the Dazed and glazed eyes of the Video game addicts, They seem to be in a trance totally oblivious state in Which they can no longer process what all this means….Ah yes, Video games, designed to draw you in hook line and sinker…And the Funny thing.. Is they offer Nice pieces of candy. Hmm One of these days Reality is Going to hit like a ton of Bricks …Until then…Continue gaming…Seeing how nothing can snap some out of this trance.
I wonder what would have happened if for some reason Sony had to Shut there Doors.
@data
Lighten up, man. I might have to get old, But I don’t hafta grow up. After all, I may be old enough to have grand kids your age. But here I am, A long haired grey beard still playin’ video games.
And, the world will be a better place without the likes of Bin Laden convincin’ young impressionable minds to blow themselves up in the name of Allah in order to get 79 *perpetual* virgins in the here after.
As for what’s ahead financially for Sony, heck man, the whole global western economy is goin’ to h377 in a hand basket. There’s something to lose sleep over. Not just one company. If I were to take all of this all that seriously? H377 man, I’d swallow a slug right now. Actually, 9 of’em cause that’s how many the load in my shotgun IRL doles out in one shot. Nah, I’ll just keep killin’ pixels and taken each day as it comes.
Peace out dude,
K1773r37f
And the clock keeps ticking. I’m eager to get back online and in the mix with my friends. Thanks to all the hard working dudes that are trying to get the boat back in the water.
If all the video game in the world were to suddenly go bye-bye? Well, there’s always fishin’, readin’, playin’ fetch with the emergency ration/alarm system multifunction units (dogs) and best of all just watchin’ my progeny grow up.
yeah good luck with that
@Ace,
Not sure what you mean. If you’re refere’n to my progeny growin’ up in the presumed post apocalyptic economy. Chances are, they will. You see, “We can skin a buck and run a trot line. Yeah, a country boy [or girl] can survive.”
Hi guys! I just wanted to pass along some info *(& put in my proverbial 2 cents about a few things). I may have to break all of it up into vseveral posts.
I called Sony on Sunday afternoon to get clarification on the wording of the press release – specifically where it talks about activated accounts. What was relayed to me was that they did not mean the PS3 that a PSN account was created on initially. So long as you had your PSN account successfully put onto your current PS3, you should be set.. This info will come in handy if the email address that’s associated w/ ypur PSN account my be no longer valid for whatever reason. Yeah, not a common problem, but it can happen.
Ya see, I am as at home out in the field growin’ maters and taters as I am in the data center herdin’ AIX and Linux boxen.
Yes ! :d
ROFL @ 299
Osama was responsible for he PSN hacking, but don’t worry. We got him.
seriously i want my PSN BACK!
@K1773r37f Oh Yeah, Horses are the ultimate ATVS as well, Talk about your Ultimate Green Machines lol..
And gardens are great, at least we Know what goes into the food chain..Hmm, I kinda like the Idea of Hydroponics too. Hmm I bet No one here is even aware of what is happening to our food supplies as we speak with regards to the tornadoes and severe storms hitting across our nation..Oh and wait t’ll Gas prices go up to up-to 5 bucks a gallon. that will put even a bigger pinch on gaming sales. it already costs me 20 bucks to fill my car from the half way mark. so now the Half way mark is my new empty line lol. But Kids now days.. Meh..They haven’t a clue. Well some might.
at any rate I would love to see a game in which one would have to use survival skills to stay alive. and what I mean buy that is gather items for generating electricity, Items like food seeds and growing them either n a garden or in hydrophobic garden,
Oh Lets say the entire Show of Survivor and the Colony all in one. I bet Sony could make a killing off that show. Oh and make it where you have to make and build your own weapons or scavenge for the,Yeah, reality, it is the best game I know :)
Sony Security Gaffe
“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation.
What I want to know is was our SN to the consoles part of that stolen data?
WTF Bin Laden dead and teabagged repeatedly by US Special Forces?
@343, if by SN you mean social security numbers, no
@346 I think he means the console’s serial number
@346, ahh, well in that case, still no, i don’t think that is kept in the system besides the sticker on the back :P
I hope Not I was thinking of this because they always are asking us in the phone what the Serial number is then they check to verify that it is ours. They also use our e-mails to send us confirmation and tracking numbers. I already changed my main account numbers and pulled all that data from my e-mail after printing it up first. .
I think that would be a good question to ask Sony.
Ok Just called SCEA they said that the serial Numbers to our Units have not been and I repeat have not been Compromised. that is a good thing.She that was a good question though and it was the first time any one had asked that question.
Oh Correction it is SNEA Now lol