Sony’s issued statement reads:
As the result of a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s network, SOE shut down its game services in order for the company to undertake an investigation and incorporate rigorous enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure. SOE worked with several outside respected security firms during the course of implementing significant security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity and provide customers with greater protection of their personal information.
SOE made enhancements to overall data security as well, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring, performing new penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption.
“Our main priority is the safety and security of our customers’ personal information,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “We are making consumer data protection a full-time, company-wide commitment, and have applied enhanced security technologies so that our customers can feel protected and confident about playing our games.”
Hirai added, “We are committed to delivering secure and entertaining games for players of all ages and thank each of our players for their patience and support during this difficult time.”
SOE will also be offering its customers a “Welcome Back” program that includes special game content and services to all registered Station Account holders. As part of this program, players will receive 30 days of additional game time plus one day for each day SOE’s services were down.
The first rollout of services restoration in NA and EU, called “phase one” includes:
* Sign-in for PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords.
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Restoration of online gameplay across PlayStation 3 and PSP.
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Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Store Video Store on PS3, PSP and Media Go.
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Music Unlimited, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC.
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Access to third party services such as VidZone and MUBI.
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Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc.
PlayStation Home.
The 3.61 update is now live, which will allow them to reset their username/password. Let us know if you’ve gotten back PSN and played something, like Portal 2 or Mortal Kombat.