Support NeoGAF

[Wario64]

UPDATES:

May 10: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/05/10/psn-restoration-timeline-update/

I know you all want to know exactly when the services will be restored. At this time, I can’t give you an exact date, as it will likely be at least a few more days. We’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work through this process.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/05/06/service-restoration-update/

Service Restoration Update

As you may know, we’ve begun the process of restoring the service through internal testing of the new system. We’re still working to confirm the security of the network infrastructure, as well as working with a variety of outside entities to confirm with them of the security of the system. Verifying the system security is vital for the process of restoration. Additional comprehensive system checks and testing are still required, and we must complete that process before bringing the systems online.

As you’ve heard us say, our utmost priorities are the security of the network and ensuring your data is safe. We won’t restore the services until we can test the system’s strength in these respects.

When we held the press conference in Japan last week, based on what we knew, we expected to have the services online within a week. We were unaware of the extent of the attack on Sony Online Entertainment servers, and we are taking this opportunity to conduct further testing of the incredibly complex system. We know many of you are wanting to play games online, chat with your friends and enjoy all of the services PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer, and trust me when I say we’re doing everything we can to make it happen. We will update you with more information as soon as we have it. We apologize for the delay and inconvenience of this network outage.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/...ward-stringer/

A Letter from Howard Stringer

+ Posted by Patrick Seybold // Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Social Media

Please see below for a letter from Howard Stringer:

Dear Friends,

I know this has been a frustrating time for all of you.

Let me assure you that the resources of this company have been focused on investigating the entire nature and impact of the cyber-attack we’ve all experienced and on fixing it. We are absolutely dedicated to restoring full and safe service as soon as possible and rewarding you for your patience. We will settle for nothing less.

To date, there is no confirmed evidence any credit card or personal information has been misused, and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We are also moving ahead with plans to help protect our customers from identity theft around the world. A program for U.S. PlayStation Network and Qriocity customers that includes a $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user was launched earlier today and announcements for other regions will be coming soon.

As we have announced, we will be offering a “Welcome Back” package to our customers once our PlayStation Network and Qriocity services are up and running. This will include, among other benefits, a month of free PlayStation Plus membership for all PSN customers, as well as an extension of subscriptions for PlayStation Plus and Music Unlimited customers to make up for time lost.

As a company we — and I — apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused by this attack. Under the leadership of Kazuo Hirai, we have teams working around the clock and around the world to restore your access to those services as quickly, and as safely, as possible.

I know some believe we should have notified our customers earlier than we did. It’s a fair question. As soon as we discovered the potential scope of the intrusion, we shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services and hired some of the best technical experts in the field to determine what happened. I wish we could have gotten the answers we needed sooner, but forensic analysis is a complex, time-consuming process. Hackers, after all, do their best to cover their tracks, and it took some time for our experts to find those tracks and begin to identify what personal information had — or had not — been taken.

As a result of what we discovered we notified you of the breach. Our investigation is ongoing, and we are upgrading our security so that if attacks like this happen again, our defenses will be even stronger.

In the last few months, Sony has faced a terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. But now we are facing a very man-made event – a criminal attack on us — and on you — and we are working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies around the world to apprehend those responsible.

In the coming days, we will restore service to the networks and welcome you back to the fun. I wanted to personally reach out and let you know that we are committed to serving you to the very best of our ability, protecting your information better than ever, and getting you back to what you signed up for – all the games and great entertainment experiences that you expect from Sony.

With best regards,
Howard Stringer

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011...ium=social&utm_campaign=identity_theft_050511

Sony Offering Free ‘AllClear ID Plus’ Identity Theft Protection in the United States through Debix, Inc.

+ Posted by Patrick Seybold // Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Social Media

Last weekend, Sony Computer Entertainment announced that we will provide complimentary enrollment in an identity theft protection program. Here are the details of this program for PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders in the United States only. We are working to make similar programs available in other countries/territories where applicable. Information will be posted on local websites/blogs when available.

Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment International have made arrangements with Debix, Inc., one of the industry’s most reputable identity protection firms, to offer AllClear ID Plus at no cost to PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders for 12 months from the time an account holder registers for the program.

Please note that we will start sending out activation emails for this program over the next few days, and you will have until June 18th to sign-up and redeem your code. You will need to sign up directly through AllClearID, not on Sony’s websites, and details, including step-by-step instructions for the program, will be emailed to United States PSN and Qriocity Account holders soon.

The details of the program include, but are not limited to:

Cyber monitoring and surveillance of the Internet to detect exposure of an AllClear ID Plus customer’s personal information, including monitoring of criminal web sites and data recovered by law enforcement. If his/her personal information is found, the customer will be alerted by phone and/or email and will be provided advice and support regarding protective steps to take. The customer will also receive monthly identity status reports. Debix works with an alliance of cyber-crime experts from the government, academia and industry to provide these services.
Priority access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists. If an AllClear ID Plus customer receives an alert, or otherwise suspects that he/she may be the victim of identity theft, the customer can speak directly, on a priority basis, with an on-staff licensed private investigator, who will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. In the case of an identity theft, the customer can work with an identity restoration specialist to contact creditors and others, and take necessary steps to restore the customer’s identity.
A $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user to provide additional protection in the event that an AllClear ID Plus customer becomes a victim of identity theft. This insurance would provide financial relief of up to $1 million for covered identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages that occur within 12 months after the stolen identity event.

More information will be available on the enrollment page, a link which will be included in the email you will receive.

We continue to work around the clock to have some PlayStation Network services and Qriocity services restored, and will be providing you specific details shortly.

Thank you.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/05/05/important-step-for-service-restoration/

Today our global network and security teams at Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment began the final stages of internal testing of the new system, an important step towards restoring PlayStation Network and Qriocity services.

As previously mentioned, we’ve been working around the clock to rebuild the network and enhance protections of your personal data. It’s our top priority to ensure your data is safe when you begin using the services again.

We understand that many of you are eager to again enjoy the PlayStation Network and Qriocity entertainment services that you love, so we wanted you to be aware of this milestone and our progress. We will provide additional updates as soon as we can.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011...-qriocity-services-to-be-available-this-week/

Press Release: Some PlayStation Network and Qriocity Services to be Available This Week

+ Posted by Patrick Seybold // Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Social Media

SOME PLAYSTATION®NETWORK AND QRIOCITY™ SERVICES TO BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
Phased Global Rollout of Services to Begin Regionally;
System Security Enhanced to Provide Greater Protection of Personal Information

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 Qriocity™ 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
-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

The company also expedited an already planned move of the system to a new data center in a different location that has been under construction and development for several months. In addition, PS3 will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service. As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data.

The company is conducting a thorough and on-going investigation and working with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for the illegal intrusion.

“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry. These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security. We take the security of our consumers’ information very seriously and are committed to helping our consumers protect their personal data. In addition, the organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back online, and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “Our global audience of PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers was disrupted. We have learned lessons along the way about the valued relationship with our consumers, and to that end, we will be launching a customer appreciation program for registered consumers as a way of expressing our gratitude for their loyalty during this network downtime, as we work even harder to restore and regain their trust in us and our services.”

Complimentary Offering and “Welcome Back” Appreciation Program
While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.

The company will also rollout the PlayStation Network and Qriocity “Welcome Back” program, to be offered worldwide, which will be tailored to specific markets to provide our consumers with a selection of service options and premium content as an expression of the company’s appreciation for their patience, support and continued loyalty.

Central components of the “Welcome Back” program will include:

Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

Additional “Welcome Back” entertainment and service offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as the company returns the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services to the quality standard users have grown to enjoy and strive to exceed those exceptions.

SNEI will continue to reinforce and verify security for transactions before resuming the PlayStation®Store and other Qriocity operations, scheduled for this month.

For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com. or http://blog.eu.playstation.com/

About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

 

[Kagari]

Damn it, you beat me Wario!

 

[Amir0x]

Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.

*eyebrow perks*

Good for Sony. Try to set things straight. I haven't played PSN online for like months but it's nice to know when I feel like it PS3 might actually be back

 

[alr1ght]

Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
-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

no store? pubs are going to be pissed.

 

[angelfly]

Disappointing compensation.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

so does that mean my regional accounts get different stuff?

 

[StuBurns]

SCEE, Wipeout better be on your list.

 

[Dr. Malik]

All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

mhmm, ok

 

[Kagari]

Disappointing compensation.

You'll get your content, don't worry. SELECTED FREE CONTENT.

 

[Striek]

So whats not coming back online this week? Just the store?

 

[Persona7]

i think my identity is worth the cost of Arcana heart 3

 

[Zombie James]

In addition, PS3 will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service.

Good to hear.

 

[Luthos]

Why would I want 30 free days of PSN+? If I get anything I like from it, I won't be able to use it afterwards.

So they're just hoping to hook in more subscribers.

 

[Kagari]

Thanks for bolding some points, Wario.

 

[mgviperman]

i think my identity is worth the cost of Arcana heart 3

I like the way you think.

 

[Takao]

I heard Japan gets 4D.

 

[ULTROS!]

Why would I want 30 free days of PSN+? If I get anything I like from it, I won't be able to use it afterwards.

So they're just hoping to hook in more subscribers.

You get free PS1 classics and themes which can be kept permanently at least.

 

[paperheart]

Yay! It'll be good to have the network back. I'm never gonna take it for granted ever again.

 

[Zombie James]

You get free PS1 classics and themes which can be kept permanently at least.

I should (re)read up on PSN+, I thought any free content you got from PSN+ was only free so long as you had an active account.

 

[Emitan]

PSN Store not being put online because everything in it is free forever.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Would be hilarious if the PS3 folks got stuff but us only PSP-ownin' folks get squad.

 

[mrkgoo]

What if I want to know my old password?

 

[NeoUltima]

Glad each territory will have different free stuff. Will put my multiple accounts to use.

 

[Araxen]

Free Sonic Episode 1 for ALL!!!!!



j/k, I hope it's not that!

 

[StuBurns]

What if I want to know my old password?

Then the terrorists have won.

 

[Emitan]

Would be hilarious if the PS3 folks got stuff but us only PSP-ownin' folks get squad.

By hilarious you mean absolutely awful, but the inevitable truth.

 

[kaskade]

So one free month of plus plus select free content. Hopefully it's something good.

 

[jax (old)]

Good presser. Informative.

 

[QuantumBro]

Why would I want 30 free days of PSN+? If I get anything I like from it, I won't be able to use it afterwards.

So they're just hoping to hook in more subscribers.

Any PS1 games, themes, or add-ons are yours to keep forever.

 

[blindrocket]

While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.

I wonder what this means exactly.

It cost me five dollars to get a new debit card, and I'd appreciate to be reimbursed for that in addition to the goodwill offerings.

 

[hateradio]

*eyebrow perks*

Good for Sony. Try to set things straight. I haven't played PSN online for like months but it's nice to know when I feel like it PS3 might actually be back

Same. I hope it's not only PSN+ stuff.

 

[patsu]

'bout time ! I need to chase The Event. Was on episode 2 on Hulu Plus.

 

[Ickman3400]

I feel a little safer about not having a new ps3 when this comes back up since I can presumably just do it by email now.

Just hoping I won't have to send them a damn blood sample to get my account deactivated off the old one.

 

[QuantumBro]

Is anyone else going to call Sony, after it goes back online, to see if it will be a lot easier to be able to reset your PSN account activations?

 

[LevelNth]

Any PS1 games, themes, or add-ons are yours to keep forever.

Don't forget the discounts off of game purchases are forever, you don't retroactively get charged the higher price.

 

[Wario64]

No PS Store might mean no online play for Mortal Kombat for a while. lol ONLINE PASSES LOL.

 

[yencid]

partially

 

[Zombie James]

Thanks for the PSN+ free content info, guys. So.. is there a list somewhere of free stuff PSN+ users get access to?

 

[_Xenon_]

Is there a list of free games that I can download with PSN+? When this 30-day freebie ends can I still play them?

 

[alr1ght]

No PS Store might mean no online play for Mortal Kombat for a while. lol ONLINE PASSES LOL.

yes :lol

fuck them

 

[Kagari]

No PS Store might mean no online play for Mortal Kombat for a while. lol ONLINE PASSES LOL.

Good thing I didn't buy MK.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

yes :lol

fuck them

Err... did you read the thread?

This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games

 

[Kagari]

Err... did you read the thread?

This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games

Hehe.

 

[TheHakku]

As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data.

I'm a little concerned, but as long as we can do it the second way, I'm alright with that. My first fat PS3 is long gone.

 

[Y2Kev]

It says games requiring online verification will be fine. Whether that means games already verified vs. games that need to be verified remains to be seen. I guess we will find out on May 4 when I win $20.

 

[Wario64]

Err... did you read the thread?

This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games

I don't really understand what that really means. It sounds like shit like Final Fight Double Impact doing DRM stuff

 

[bob page]

So how are we supposed to redeem codes that came with a preorder ala SOCOM 4 (the map code)? Don't those expire after a month or something?

 

[Rewrite]

No PS Store might mean no online play for Mortal Kombat for a while. lol ONLINE PASSES LOL.

:lol

I didn't even think about that!

In all honesty, I do wish the store is up as soon as possible.

 

[ShirAhava]

She's Back

 

[Wario64]

I'm a little concerned, but as long as we can do it the second way, I'm alright with that. My first fat PS3 is long gone.

I think it means any activated PS3s associated with the account can change the password. So technically you can have 5 PS3s that are allowed to change the PW....?