Sony execs apologized to their customers for the inconvenience caused because of an unknown hacker attack to weeks back
Sony will resume some PlayStation Network services and beef up its security nearly two weeks after an unknown hacker attack forced Sony to shut it down.
The company made the announcements during a press conference in Tokyo. Kaz Hirai, Sony’s executive deputy president and the likely successor to CEO Howard Stringer, started by offering “our deepest and sincerest apologies” for the outage of the PlayStation network, as well as apologizing to customers whose personal information has been compromised. Hirai and two other Sony executives bowed deeply, a Japanese custom for apologizing.
“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers but our entire industry,” Hirai said. “These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security.”
The news sparked thousands of comments on the official PlayStation fan page on Facebook, some of them from users who said they would switch to Microsoft's Xbox Live games network.
The organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back on line and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks,” Hirai added.
The big question though is whether or not credit card data was stolen, : As many as 10 million credit card numbers may have been exposed, a possibility that has raised questions from the U.S. Congress. Hirai and two other Sony executives repeatedly asserted that they have found “no evidence” that credit card data or billing information has been stolen. Hirai wouldn’t rule out the possibility, however, which likely explains why Sony is asking customers to check their credit card statements just in case according to Mashable.
To prevent an attack like this one from happening again, Sony says it has moved PSN and Qrioicity services to a new data center and implemented new security measures, including additional firewalls, enhanced encryption and automated software monitoring. The company has also created a new position: Chief Information Security Officer, a senior executive who will report to Sony Chief Information Officer Shinji Hasejima. In addition, Sony will require all users to change their passwords, but with additional security measures to verify identity.
Sony says it will resume some PlayStation Network services in the next week as a result. This includes restoration of online gameplay, Qriocity music services, friend lists, chat functionality and movie rental services. It is also launching a “Welcome Back” campaign as an apology to users for what has transpired. Sony is offering affected users a 30-day subscription to PlayStation Plus and some free software downloads. Qriocity customers will be receiving 30 additional days of service for free.
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