Press Release: Some PlayStation Network and Qriocity Services to be Available This Week

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Press Release: Some PlayStation Network and Qriocity Services to be Available This Week

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.

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378 Comments

  • all of this is Orchestrated.

  • SONY Please Read:

    That’s a good question for the next Q&A or something. A lot of comments have been question as to the paragraph:

    “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.”

    A few of us no longer have our original Playstation 3 units, including me.

    Is this referring to the unit “Activated” with the PSN account? or the absolute “original” unit the account was created. Please Clarify.
    Thank You. and its good news to hear otherwise.

  • Ohh I misread, sorry.. Carry on – cancel that…

  • that-acmilan-guy

    Thank you!

  • @147 (SGAShepp) – Yes!! Thank you!!! Clearly, the wording in the release was vague/confusing and hence confusing not only the commenters here, but the community @ allgames.com’s chat. Clearly,clarification is need on this point. A good many people are no longer on their 1st PS3 for w/e reason, but have their PSN accounts on their current PS3 (Acivated for that machine) since before PSN went down on the 20th.

  • @150
    I realize that i misread like many others have. read it closely again, it states the ps3 that was ACTIVATED and, ‘or through validated email confirmation’.
    CHEERS

  • PLease let us know when and who you caught and put them away for along time. Kepp us updated with to. thnx

  • @151 – Ok, don’t mind me if I’m having a total brain fart right about now, but seeing as you seem to have a clear understanding of this, I’ll pose this scenario/question to you:

    Suppose you created a PSN acount named Count_Chocula on a PS3 years ago. Since the account’s initial creation you have gone through several PS3s for misc. reasons (theft, Ylod, or w/e). You’ve had your current PS3 for awhile & your Count_Chocula account has been on this PS3 since well before the PSN outage. Does this mean that the Count_Chocula account is activated on this PS3? Or when SCEA said the word “activated”, they were using the word to refer to the inital creation process of the PSN account when you got your initial PS3?. Basically, what itboilsdown to, if you wanted to change your Passwordvia the PS3 rather than email, did you need the PS3 that theaccount was createdon initially, or would your current PS3 suffice, provided you’ve been using the Count_Chocula account on the current PS3 prior to all this happening?

  • Like I have been saying: No worries. Thank you for the good news.

    Funny, eh? We received good news but some people have been giving low ratings to this message… I wonder why…?

  • Infamous 2 Beta here i come!

  • Gears of war 3. OMG its gow2 with new maps and NOTHING new….i think EPIC have done a marvelous job of once again puling the wool over the Gears fans eyes…tut tut……bring on UC3!!!

  • The only thing I want more than the network back up (and the security of our info etc… too of course after this ordeal) is the arrest of the punk who did this.

    Oh how I cannot wait for that day…

  • Sounds good. Should get my box to send my PS3 off in a couple of days, so hopefully by the time I get it back, PSN will be up and running again.

  • :D w00t Mortal Kombat Online here I come :P

  • Its Nice to know that Sony have such a level of care and respect for their Consumers…!
    I honestly never doubted Sony for a second over this..As a Playstation owner since the first console,
    I’ve always been aware of how good they are at recognising problems within their infrastucture and the gaming world..
    Always been a proud PS3 owner and,despite at first not knowing if the network was EVER gonna be up and running…(or at least a couple of months).Sony has once again shown us An amazing level of dedication and care towards their company/network….(Lets see microsoft do that…Raaassssppp..:P…lol…)
    Thankyou Sony for lliving up to expectations worldwide and lets hope this ‘New and improved’ server system keeps those B****** Hackers out…!!..

  • Resurrected-X460

    please add Cross game voice chat. a great portion of your loyal users demanded this, please add this function and make most of your loyal users happy. Thank you.

  • Resurrected-X460

    In fact you’ve mentioned “Chat functionality” But didn’t mention whether this function is accessible through different games while in voice mode or not. In fact can we chat orally with our friends from anywhere? Thank you for this cool update and looking forward to see you bringing Cross game voice chat

  • Wow Thank you sony… I want my psone classics! Give me final fantasy 4, 5, 6 Chrono trigger, Chrono cross, Mortal Kombat trilogy, Marvel vs. capcom etc. :)

  • Thank you for your dedication and hard work to restore our PSN :D

  • I have not really missed PSN much :D These past 2 weeks i have had a brilliant time playing on my PS3. Playing KZ3 story mode + 2 player split-screen mode + MotorStorm 3 (4 player split-screen + single player mode) + LBP2 4 player mode off-line + Story mode…etc etc :P

  • I see a light at the end of the tunnel for us PS3 gamers!!!

    Is everybody pretty satisfied. I know they didn’t say it in the blog but the did apologize and bow at the meeting. Very humbling, I think have faith that Sony will rise above this.

  • @ B-real Yes im really happy! Even though i dont have a ps3 yet just a psp. lol

  • yesssssss. i’ve got load of trophies to synch with the server lol. but guys what ’bout cross voice chat? please add this one to this system update features please………… .

  • Excellent news.

  • Thank You Sony. I’m glad you guys did a very excellent job on rebuilding the Network. I will be expecting Playstation Network to be online soon. I just hope this doesn’t happen again. Again, Thank You Sony.

  • 3rd times a charm… or at least I would like to think so. With that said, I still would like to know if deleting my credit card info off the PSN a few months back actually deleted that info off the servers. Or if it was just a false sense of security that my info was erased.

    Although since the mention of 10 million credit cards being obtained (while encrypted) probably means that NO, deleting my CC info didn’t do me any good. Why have I come to this conclusion? Simple, the PS3 has sold roughly 30-35 million units, and of the 77 million PSN accounts, probably only about 15-20 million of those are individuals (not alt accounts). And of that 15-20 million it makes sense about 50% would have purchased stuff off the PSN, which would be about 10 million.

    I just hope with the new system you guys are making that when somebody deletes their CC info off their account, that it REALLY deletes that info.

    However personally I am NEVER placing my CC info in your hands again, if I ever buy anything off the PSN it will be through pre-paid cards.

  • Still no exact date…
    Oh well, another month of PS+ for free will be alright. And whatever this free download is, it better be good! :D

  • 30 days free to make up for stuff we paid for that we couldn’t access for up to 15 days is kind of insulting.

    But who cares about the two weeks PS3 is down.

    The point is you took our money and didn’t secure our credit card and personal data. I’m not even sure how you can possibly make up for that…but scheduling press conferences when it is 1 am in the morning in NYC does not help.

    You owe us the money it would have cost to secure our info the last three years, and profuse apologies for being too cheap (or arrogant) to do so. No more. No less.

  • EURO ZONE PSN SWITCH ON PLEASE!

  • “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”

    However much that costs to do now, multiply that by the amount of days that PS3 has existed: that is what you owe us.

  • btw at the main page, this article shows that it was posted on the 26th of April.. Just a heads up that it needs to be changed to the 30th of April. (Although I’m not sure if this is the case for every1)

  • YEAH!!!!! fREE STUFF THANKS

  • And where is the freaking apology for not encrypting our data? I’m missing it.

    It was completely irresponsible and no, I’ll never give you my credit card info again. Stop passing the buck.

  • All sounds good to me.

  • PS3 >>>this my hero {lol ^_*

  • more thanI xpected!! ASWIOME!

  • the phasing will most likely go JP-US-EU

  • Wait, so something like this could happen: U.S. gets PSN back on Monday or today, or something, and Europe could get it back on Wednesday or Thursday? That correct?
    Sweet.

  • @ rawstory

    They did, the top executives at Sony’s PlayStation division apologize twice & bowed for several seconds at the press conference which started in the evening in Japan.

    http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/9/2011/05/67564e33b8f0e6c776c66f8620d3420e/340x.jpg
    http://por-img.cimcontent.net/api/assets/bin-201105/4e8dfcbb7368c9215e4d887fdc209d7b.jpg

    “One asked about compensation for the personal data leakage, in terms of credit card charge refunds, free software and the like, and Kaz insisted that the gifts are not compensation for the leak — Sony is not presently compensating customers for the data leak because it doesn’t have any evidence of credit card fraud, and Kaz says if Sony gets such reports it will deal with them on a case-by-case basis.”

    You should read the liveblog of the conference.
    http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/sonys-kaz-hirai-will-address-playstation-network-hack-at-1am-et/

  • so when will it bback up

  • AWESOME, NOW I CAN KICK ASS IN BLACK OPS

  • eyesofreality03

    now this is what i expect from Sony. well done team, now an exact date of returning service and we’ll all be good!

  • @digitalman123

    Hell no. Europe before US

  • Sweet. Looking forward to just getting back online and playing. Great job sony.

  • To Patrick and all Sony Execs. This is your chance. Now is the time to work with law enforcement agencies and law makers. Time to make all Custom firmware point blank illegal and add it To the DMCA.

    this attack happened because of hacked playstation 3s. they possess a security risk to all normal playstation 3 users.

    C’mon sony. do it. get the lawmakers on the gamers side in the war against the hackers

  • For the people that are asking for money back and that 30 days free is not good enough and they didnt say sorry. actually they did if u were paying attention and second they dont have to give u anything.

    Sony there are many people that are behind u in this and we all hope u catch the people that have caused all these problems.

  • Sony…

    You guys crack me up with the BS you guys spew while trying to sound sorry. I mean I’ll stay a PS gamer mainly, but even after this press conference, I’m a bit hm disappointed…

    (IGN)

    “Sony will also provide “selected PlayStation entertainment content” for free to download.”

    AND

    “One of the major services that won’t be available initially is the PlayStation Store. Sony did not give a timeframe for when it wil be back up, but the company stated that all PlayStation Network services will operational by the end of May. ”

    What good is that offering if the PS Store is and will be kept offline until around the end of May 2011?

    o_O

  • Thank You Sony, I really needed my update fix.

  • Can’t wait till online connectivity returns! Almost feels like getting a new console/game again.

  • i think @xxnike629xx needs to be compensated with a psychiatrist

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