Sony confirms PlayStation Network & Qriocity hacking

Tokyo, Apr 27: It seems that the Sony PlayStation Network users will have to wait a little longer to play their favorite games online again. After six days of 'out of service', Sony confirmed that the PlayStation Network and Qriocity service were hacked by "unauthorized intrusion."

Sony officials hinted the possibility of hackers accessing users' personal details including password and credit card number. Sony said that it had hired a security firm to conduct a "full and complete investigation" to the matter. The statement released by Sony informed the PlayStation Network and Qriocity users that their credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained by the hackers.

"Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birth date, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained."

The PlayStation Network is Sony's online gaming and sales service and Qriocity, which uses PlayStation network infrastructure, provides audio and video services.

Sony said that they are working day and night to solve the issue as soon as possible. In response to the hacking attempt, Sony -
*Temporarily turned off PlayStation Network and Qriocity services
* Engaged an outside, recognized security firm to conduct a full and complete investigation into what happened
* Quickly took steps to enhance security and strengthen the network infrastructure by re-building the system to provide user with greater protection of personal information.

Also, Sony informed users to be aware of email, telephone, and postal mail scams that ask for personal or sensitive information. Sony informed the users that the company will not contact them in any way, including by email, asking for their credit card number, social security number or other personally identifiable information.

Moreover, Sony recommended PlayStation Network and Qriocity users to change their password when the services are fully restored, review their account statements and to monitor credit reports.

OneIndia News