Sony working with police on PlayStation Network hack

PlayStation Network launched in November of 2006 and boasts about 77 million registered users worldwide
A customer is seen at Sony PlayStation 3 display in Tokyo. Ther Japanese firm has said it is working with investigators after hackers stole data from users of its PlayStation Network, and told customers it would restore services only when it was confident it was secure.

Sony said it was working with investigators after hackers stole data from users of its PlayStation Network, and told customers it would restore services only when it was confident it was secure.

The PlayStation Network and Qriocity streaming were turned off on April 20 in the wake of an "external intrusion," according to Sony spokesman Patrick Seybold.

"We are currently working with law enforcement on this matter as well as a recognised technology to conduct a complete investigation," Seybold said in a blog posted Thursday on the PlayStation website.

"This malicious attack against our system and against our customers is a criminal act and we are proceeding aggressively to find those responsible."

Launched in November 2006, the PlayStation Network allows PlayStation console users to play games online, challenge others on the Internet, stream movies, or get other services.

The Japanese electronics giant said it was possible hackers had taken users' data.

"While all stored in our systems is encrypted and there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility," Seybold said, warning that "...we are advising you that your credit card number and expiration date may have been obtained."

Sony said it had emailed all 77 million users worldwide to warn them that their data may have been stolen.

"Hope these people are caught. I think gamers worldwide would love a new Sony PSN series about bringing them to justice," wrote one gamer using the name BlueFrog007.

"I hope Sony finds the hackers and puts them in jail!!! I mean they just stole a boatload of personal info they deserve 25 to life," said user Lopez9577.

Microsoft has warned users of its service of possible attempts to steal personal data following the PlayStation Network hack.

"Users may receive potential phishing attempts via title specific messaging while playing Modern Warfare 2," it said on the Xbox Live Status website.

"We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue." The problem appeared to be linked to just the one game.

Fact file on the cyber attack which targeted Sony's PlayStation 3 network
Fact file on the cyber attack which targeted Sony's PlayStation 3 network.

Sony said it was "working day and night to restore operations as quickly as possible" and expected to have some services up and running within a week.

"However, we want to be very clear that we will only restore operations when we are confident that the network is secure," Seybold said.

Gamers posting on the network site were generally supportive of Sony's efforts but some were frustrated after a week with no access and others were scathing of the company's handling of .

"Just because it's behind 'security' doesn't mean it shouldn't be encrypted. Sony, you failed your user on a worldwide scale in regard to protecting their personal information," wrote gamer BloodyCow, who described themselves as a computer network engineer.

Several users said they had cancelled their credit or debit cards as a precaution.

"I rather just change cards than to take the chance. Lets face it, even encrypted info can be un-encrypted," said mixedkidbx.

Sony has not indicated whether it has identified a culprit in the intrusion.

Internet vigilante group Anonymous had vowed retribution against Sony for taking legal action against hackers who cracked PS3 defences to change console operating software.

Anonymous argued that PS3 owners have the right to do what they wish with them, including modifying them.

Seybold said Sony was taking steps to enhance security, including moving its network infrastructure and data centre to "a new, more secure location."

Sony has sold about 48 million PS3 consoles worldwide since they hit the market in November of 2006.

(c) 2011 AFP

Citation: Sony working with police on PlayStation Network hack (2011, April 28) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2011-04-sony-police-playstation-network-hack.html
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