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The PlayStation Network Is In The Process Of Coming Back!

by on May 15, 2011
 

Have you missed the PlayStation Network? Have you been wandering around your PS3 games just wishing you could choose the “Online” option and get down to business? I know I have, as well as most of the other writers here at GodisaGeek.com. Well, we have some news that you may want to hear…

The PlayStation Network is back!

Well, almost. According to the press release that’s recently been released by Sony, it’s in the process of coming back but it’s still the best news we’ve had in what seems like an age.

Enough of my blathering, however, I’ll let you read it straight from the horses mouth:

Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will today begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. The phased restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

The first phase of restored services for North America and Europe will include:

  • Sign-in for PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords.
  • Restoration of online gameplay across PlayStation 3 and PSP.
  • Q Music Unlimited, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC.
  • Access to third party services such as VidZone and MUBI.
  • ‘Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc.
  • PlayStation Home.
  • Increased Security Measures
  • Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Store Video Store on PS3, PSP and

    Media Go.

As the result of a criminal cyber attack on the company’s data centre located in San Diego, California, USA, SNEI shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services on 20 April 2011, in order for the company to undergo an investigation and make enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure.

Working closely with several respected outside security firms, the company has implemented new and additional security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity, and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.

The company has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls.

The company also added a variety of other measures to the network infrastructure including an early warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network.

“I’d like to send my sincere regret for the inconvenience this incident has caused you, and want to thank you all for the kind patience you’ve shown as we worked through the restoration process,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation.

“I can’t thank you enough for your patience and support during this time. We know even the most loyal customers have been frustrated by this process and are anxious to use their Sony products and services again. We are taking aggressive action at all levels to address the concerns that were raised by this incident, and are making consumer data protection a full time, company-wide commitment.”

“During the past 18 months, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the volume of cyber attacks, their sophistication and their impact on businesses. Thwarting cyber-crime requires an evolutionary approach to security that is well integrated, reduces risk exposure and improves efficiencies,” said Francis deSouza, senior vice president, Enterprise Security Group, Symantec. “Today’s cyber crime attacks are proving to be more covert, more targeted and better organized than those we’ve seen in years past. In working with Sony on the move of their data centre, it’s clear they’re implementing measures to reduce security risks moving forward.”

As an additional measure, Fumiaki Sakai, president of Sony Global Solutions Inc. (SGS), has been appointed acting Chief Information Security Officer of SNEI. In addition to his current role at SGS, Mr Sakai, in his role at SNEI, will work to further reinforce overall information security across the company’s network infrastructure.

Mr Sakai will lead the recruiting effort in finding a new and permanent CISO for SNEI. As CISO, Mr. Sakai will report to Tim Schaaff, president, SNEI, as well as to Mr Shinji Hasejima, CIO, Sony Corporation.

“While we understand the importance of getting our services back online, we did not rush to do so at the expense of extensively and aggressively testing our enhanced security measures. Our consumers’ safety remains our number one priority,” Hirai continued. “We want to assure our customers that their personal information is being protected with some of the best security technologies available today, so that everyone can feel comfortable enjoying all that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer.”

The restoration of the services across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East are beginning, and consumers will be able to enjoy some of the online functionality provided by both the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. The company expects to have the services fully restored by the end of May 2011.

The company will be offering customers a “Welcome Back” package of services and premium content to all registered PlayStation Network and Qriocity account services.

The details of this program will be available at eu.playstation.com/welcomeback shortly.

It’s been a while but it’s about time we had some good news!