Sony Addresses PSN Outage

Since April 20, Sony’s PlayStation Network online services have been shut down following a cyber attack on the company’s data center.  Since then over 70 million users have been left wondering when those services will return, and if any of their personal information lies in unauthorized hands.  Not a very fun situation, all around.

Earlier today, Sony issued a press release detailing the impending return of the PSN.  Staring this week, Sony will begin a phased restoration of it’s online services, beginning with online multi-player for the PS3 and PSP consoles; account management access and a mandatory password reset; any PlayStation Store movie rentals that have not expired; Qriocity’s music unlimited service; PlayStation Home; and PSN friends list and text chat.  Other features, such as the PlayStation Store, are due to return in subsequent phases of the restoration.

Sony also announced the introduction of it’s “Welcome Back” program which will provide a variety of features and benefits to PSN users as thanks for their loyalty.  Each territory will offer select downloadable PlayStation entertainment content free, and all existing PSN customers will receive a free 30 day membership for the PlayStation Plus premium service.  Additional details on “Welcome Back” offers will be announced as other PSN services return in the coming weeks.

Lastly, Sony also discussed additional security measures implemented in the wake of the PSN outage.  An entirely new position, chief information security officer, has been created to oversee customer data protection along with existing information security personnel.  Additional security upgrades include, but are not limited to: enhanced data protection and encryption; improved ability to detect intrusions, unauthorized access, or unusual activity within the network; and automated software monitoring and configuration management.

For more information on the PSN outage and Sony’s plans to rectify the situation, visit the PlayStation blog.