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

  • @Lopez9577
    That definatily a spoiler. Its like if I told you that after the Portal 2 credits W…………

  • any1 else watching the conference

  • SPACEEEEEEEEE!

  • more i think about that…
    they never get hacked
    they just promoted PS+
    XDD

  • @STDProne
    i’m watchin it (1:20h already playing)

  • @Cyber
    lol yea no such thing as bad publicity

  • Thanks for the update!

    I have two questions regarding resetting the password:

    First, I created my account with my PSP, so do I reset my password with my PSP, or can I reset it with the first PS3 I associated my account with?

    Second, is it possible to reset it via Media Go?

  • Good stuff Sony, never let me down.

  • 105, where?

  • yes finally after what a week or more we can finally star playing again

  • 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.<-

    it as been planing long before any "anonymous" attack

    …make me remember somethn… 9/11

  • www. irwebcasting.com/live/110501/02/293c6325f4/index.html

  • Thank you Thank you Thank you!

  • Thank you Sony, I got your back

    And thank you again for decades of amazing products and support

  • That date you said was an………never mind.

  • 112, awwww, doesn’t work with the PS3 browser. That should be our compensation. An up-to-date browser.

  • Awesome psn back online

  • lol zekececil14
    r u writing whit your controller? lol

  • lol we are all happy… but the PSN still not back xD

  • Thanks for the update, looking forward to getting back on PSN. Having been a server admin in the past, I can appreciate the amount of work that it took to move the data center, rebuild it and add enhanced security, so that is awesome that it is nearly live.

  • @zekececil14

    I’ll bite on your immaturity.

    Read this section of the post…

    “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.”

    Point out where exactly does it state that the password can be changed on a newer PS3. Oh you can’t? That’s because it doesn’t state that it can be done at all. Nowhere in the post states that we will be able to change our password on a different PS3. You only ASSUME it can be done. That’s exactly why I asked for clarification, and I asked Mr. Seybold nicely too. Read the post, then read my first post. It might click for you.

  • You should find a way to electrocute hackers through PSN XD

  • lol chicken
    ->or through validated email confirmation<-

  • @chiken
    You can use your email to change password

  • it’s over. PSN will be back soon XD

  • chicken

    if your “new” ps3 isn’t already “activated” that mean you’ll NEVER been able to change your password and play online. OR you can change your password ->through validated email confirmation<-.

  • Thank you Sony reps – it means a lot to read something like that, and it’ll be fun and a good way to try out Plus – Ive been meaning to get it for awhile and this might be the kick in the pants I need to subscribe.

  • lol they’ve been saying it’ll be back soon since the 1st day

  • @120
    lol, your dumb, i said
    whoever is going to ask about not being able to chang their pass because they are on a newer PS3 than their original, READ
    or through valid email confirmation (x25)

  • Cyb3rfr34k-iso
    actually, PSP. Im laying i bed using remote play. its 3 am

  • I just want this to be over already. I’m not one of the people whining and blaming Sony for this, but I really hope I can FINALLY start playing online again in the next couple of days.

    As for the password change, I guess I’m going to have to go the e-mail verification route. I really hope that there’s no weird errors like I’ve had with some of the sites I was registered to when it came time for e-mail verification on them.

    I’ll be honest and say that I’m not a happy camper right now, but that’s not Sony’s fault. The criminals and terrorists who did this, and that’s what they really are, have pushed me into a very unpleasant place.

    I just feel bad for the smaller companies that are relying on their games getting a PSN release to make a profit. More than I am concerned about Sony compensating me for this, I’m more hoping that they are compensating for the time the store won’t be available.

  • First useful post in the past two weeks.

  • i never said you could on a newer PS3. read it again, it might click for you.

  • Are English classes being taught in schools anymore? You and cyberfreak are only making assumptions for what has been posted. For all we know the email validation is only linked to the original PS3. Why don’t you read the post again and stop making assumptions.

    “your dumb” Nice one. Stay in school.

  • Justice

  • @clupula668
    i can smell that you spent alot of money into your account
    xDD

  • lol chicken636
    the account you were connected right now on the blog lol your PSN account E-mail + password lool
    XD

  • really? last i checked, email doesnt run through your old ps3.
    read again
    that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation
    the ‘or’ indicates that using your email to confirm is an alternative to using your original ps3

  • cool, Sony is kissing that butt so it can get back into good graces with the public. I can’t say i’m hating it, and they’re definitely on the right track, as long as no credit card info was stolen I’m golden and Sony you will be back in my good graces.

  • PS+!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE FOR ONE MOOOOOOOOOOONTH!

  • i want a SONY Supporter T-Shirt XD

  • an “I survived the PSN outage of 2011” T-SHIRT

  • i’m still in survival mode xD

  • so im guessing we wont be able to TEXT MESSAGE our PSN FRIENDS? I hope so..if not then it kinda sucks :/

  • chicken636: Sorry for being disrespectful but your [DELETED].

    They wouldn’t have put through email conformation as the second way of changing your password if it were to be done only on the first PS3.

    Putting “or through validated email confirmation” WOULD NOT mean you have to go to the first PS3 you made your account on and go through email confirmation because that’s straight [DELETED]. If your on the original PS3 you made your account on then you don’t need to go through email confirmation!

    Things have to be broken down to people who are stubborn to think they are WRONG!

  • c ya apocalyPS3 survivors.

  • PSN needs to start ‘running’ again… it’s putting on some weight :p

  • @cyber & zek

    I meant that they are really going to give us a free month.

    I want cross game chat.

  • 142 we will, the list is the 1st phase. it’s listed

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