Sony details PlayStation Network service restore
Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment International announced this morning the “phased restoration by region” of PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, beginning with “gaming, music and video services”.
The PlayStation Network was breached on April 20, 2011 affecting over 77 million accounts. The cyber-criminals responsible were said to get away with information including your name, address, e-mail, password, and more, though it is not sure whether they obtained credit card details.
Following the attack, Sony “quickly” turned off the PlayStation Network, and hired multiple security firms to conduct an “extensive audit” of the security system. With new security measures in place, which SNEI and third-parties have “conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of,” Sony will begin the initial rollout of PlayStation Network services. They will include:
- Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems, including 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
The service’s newly-implemented security measures are able to “further detect unauthorized activity and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.” A new position of Chief Information Security Officer has also been created, adding for “a new position of expertise in and accountability for customer data protection and supplement existing information security personnel.” The new security measures include:
- 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 PlayStation Network data center, based in San Diego, California, will be moved to a different location under construction and development for “several months”.
When the PlayStation Network goes back online, a forced firmware update will require a mandatory password change upon sign-in of the PlayStation Network. For added security, this may only be done on the PlayStation 3 that activated the account. If you’re not in possession of the PlayStation 3 your account was registered under — be it an upgrade or system breakdown — your password may also be changed through “validated email confirmation”.
As compensation for the breach and PlayStation Network downtime, Sony will rollout the “Welcome Back” program over the “coming weeks,” providing users with several free goodies. It will offer:
- 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.
“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.”
Still no set date as to when the service will go back online, but at least we know it’s this week!