Sony cranks up the PlayStation network

Mike Bantick
Monday, 02 May 2011 10:27

Your IT - Entertainment

After an embarrassing week long shutdown post security breach, Sony is ready to restore the PlayStation Network a bit at a time with associated good-will treats for the patient.

Sony is describing the security breach in its PlayStation Network over a week ago as a criminal cyber-attack, and whilst the company reports that all crucial information, particularly Credit Card info, was encrypted, it is being cautious in the restart of services.

Here is the info from Sony Computer Entertainment released on the weekend: 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 Qriocityâ„¢ 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
o 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


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