Video Game Saga *

So it has been a few days since I played PS3.  To my surprise today PSN is down and I can't log in.  It seems that Sony is being pretty tight lipped at this point as to what is going on.  If anyone has additional information or if the network is back online please post it here.

Sony has admitted that their system has been compromised and are working to resolve the issue.  PSN was taken down to halt the attack on their system and protect customer information.

Spokesperson Patrick Seybod said "An external intrusion on our system has affected our PlayStation Network and Qriocity services".  This quote was taken from www.beatnews.com

I will post here with any additonal information I can find.  For now we are still without PSN.

PSN is still down.  It seems there is no addtional information at this time.  Any Google searches are saying the same thing and message boards are full of angry gamers right now it seems.  Can't say I blame them but I would rather Sony protect my information instead of letting people have free range to my data.

PizzaNinja at April 24, 2011 at 10:10 PM

PSN is still down.  It seems there is no addtional information at this time.  Any Google searches are saying the same thing and message boards are full of angry gamers right now it seems.  Can't say I blame them but I would rather Sony protect my information instead of letting people have free range to my data.

Jesus man--thanks for keeping us informed on this.  It's completely nuts!!  The internet group Anonymous threatened Sony multiple times due to their lawsuit against hacker Geohot.  Me thinks this might be related...

This link explains everything...

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/

Wow, the situation just got worse! Please read below:

If you play on the PlayStation Network, you may want to change your passwords on other websites soon.

Sony has finally admitted that the "external intrusion" of the PSN has compromised various personal information of its users.

Here's what was definitely taken: "name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID."

And in the possibly taken category: "profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers."

Our advice? Change frequently used passwords and possible cancel any credit cards tied to the account.

Why cancel the credit card? "If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained," Sony said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the company hopes to have "some services" up and running "within a week."

First of all Pun that comic is hilarious! 

Second item:  Thanks to Sony a lot of information is now free game which is never good news.  This is affecting an estimated 77 million customers who's data has been compromised.  77 million is including multiple users on the same system.

The cost to fix their mistake is estimated at $1.5 billion.  That's an average of around $20 per customer.

I just have to ask "how weak was the network security"?  I understand hackers are probably very good at what they do but how could they get so much information without Sony catching on just a bit sooner?

There is now people trying to sue Sony for what has happened which personally I don't think will go anywhere if Sony can prove they were using best practices to protect information.

I would like to know what others think on this topic.  In my opinion this is not only going to cost Sony money but also fans of their products.

PizzaNinja at April 27, 2011 at 9:08 PM

First of all Pun that comic is hilarious! 

Second item:  Thanks to Sony a lot of information is now free game which is never good news.  This is affecting an estimated 77 million customers who's data has been compromised.  77 million is including multiple users on the same system.

The cost to fix their mistake is estimated at $1.5 billion.  That's an average of around $20 per customer.

I just have to ask "how weak was the network security"?  I understand hackers are probably very good at what they do but how could they get so much information without Sony catching on just a bit sooner?

There is now people trying to sue Sony for what has happened which personally I don't think will go anywhere if Sony can prove they were using best practices to protect information.

I would like to know what others think on this topic.  In my opinion this is not only going to cost Sony money but also fans of their products.

I'd suggest you cancel any credit card you provided to the Playstation Network.

It has been suggested to cancel and get a replacement credit card.  Also any passwords you use that might be in common with PSN should also be changed.  This is such a PR nightmare for Sony.  I will be curious to see if and how they can recover from this.

From IGN:

During a press conference tonight in Tokyo, Sony detailed what it will reward PlayStation Network users when the service is turned back on next week after being shut down due to an illegal intrusion.

The company announced its "Welcome Back" program worldwide, giving all existing PlayStation Network users 30 days of PlayStation Plus for free. Current PlayStation Plus members will receive 30 days of additional service at no cost. Sony will also provide "selected PlayStation entertainment content" for free to download. Details for each region will be announced at a later date. Additionally, Music Unlimited 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," said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. "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.

"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."

Sony also said it is working with the FBI criminal investigation to track down who hacked PlayStation Network. The company reaffirmed it does not believe credit card information was taken, but says customers should keep an eye on their bank statements as a precaution. Of the 77 million registered PSN accounts, roughly 10 million have active credit cards tied to them.

When PlayStation Network goes live next week, users must download a new system firmware update and will force users to create a new login password. Sony will also do a phased rollout by region for PSN services. Next week's initial rollout includes:- Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems. This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games

- Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers. Sony will have a phased rollout by region for PlayStation Network next week. The services that will be available include:

- 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

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.

I will be curious to see what downloads they offer customers.  The network was supposed to be back up on May 3rd but as of today May 4th is is still down.  Has anyone seen a new date when Sony thinks they will be up and running again?

Hey PizzaNinja,

Last I read, Sony is expected to be fully up and running by the end of May. Still a ways away which sucks but this ETA seems very logical to ensure the security of PSN members. Let's hope sooner though

I have still been using the PS3 for movies and playing some games.  But with PSN down I have actually been playing more Wii and PS2 titles I have been meaning to get to.  Still can't wait to be able to get Moon Diver and Dungeon Hunter from the online store.

Thanks for the update Jim

Sadlly, all we can do is wait but like you said PizzaNinja, great time to catch up on some games Here is the lastest quote regarding PSN being down:

"When we held the press conference in Japan last week," Patrick Seybold said, "based on what we knew, we expected to have the services online within a week. We were unaware of the extent of the attack on Sony Online Entertainment servers, and we are taking this opportunity to conduct further testing of the incredibly complex system."

Because of this, the system will probably not be available this week.

Slowly but surely. From 411:

"The PlayStation Network is finally going live throughout North America.

The service should soon be available everywhere, as shown on the map above. However, Sony's senior director of corporate communications and social media, Patrick Seybold, said that it may still take some time before servers are back to normal.

Features that will be back online include online play, Qriocity, video streaming, friend lists and PlayStation Home. The Store will be back up later."

From 411:

Sure, we knew Sony's Welcome Back program had a month of PlayStation Plus, but what we've really wanted to know is the games that will be available to pick from.

Well, Sony has announced the list of games today. PS3 and PSP owners will be able to pick two games each, meaning up to four games are up for grabs if you have both systems.

For PS3 owners, you can choose from Dead Nation, inFAMOUS, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD or Wipeout HD + Fury. Meanwhile, PSP owners can snag LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force or Killzone Liberation.

In addition, various "On Us" movie rentals will be available for free for one weekend. The titles and weekend will be named later.

From 411 Mania:

The PlayStation Store is almost back for users.

According to a memo Gamasutra obtained (via Joystiq), the Store will be back up on May 24.

After it goes up, PSN content manager Jack Osorno said the Store will update twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, for two weeks to catch up to current updates.

"If there are concerns, we are willing to consider adjusting the release date of your content on this schedule," Osorno notes. "Adjustments will be made on a case by case basis."

Also to note is that the two free game downloads should be available "shortly after PlayStation Store is restored.

WAHOO!!!! PSN is finally back up! From 411 Mania:

After over a month of being down, the PlayStation Network is now fully back.

Sony brought the service back online early this morning, with various new content added to the Store, including a demo for MotorStorm: Apocalypse and Sega Rally Online Arcade for the PS3, among other games.

The Welcome Back program is "currently in the final stages of testing," according to a press release sent out. Expect more information about it soon, possibly at E3 next week.

WAHOO!!!! PSN is finally back up! From 411 Mania:

After over a month of being down, the PlayStation Network is now fully back.

Sony brought the service back online early this morning, with various new content added to the Store, including a demo for MotorStorm: Apocalypse and Sega Rally Online Arcade for the PS3, among other games.

The Welcome Back program is "currently in the final stages of testing," according to a press release sent out. Expect more information about it soon, possibly at E3 next week.

FINALLY!  I can now download Dungeon Hunter and Moon Diver!  Not with my credit card of course

Gotta get a PSN card now.