Sony Admits to Playstation Network Hacking

Sony finally confirmed and announced Monday that its Playstation Network (PSN) has fallen prey to online hackers. At current, Sony is feverishly working to restructure it’s online service. At risk – thousands of users personal information, credit cards, expiration dates, date of birth, etc. were compromised and Sony is finally announcing the system vulnerability. As of today, the PS network is still down, facilitating the repair process.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have an update or time-frame to share at this point in time,” Seybold wrote. “We’ll keep you updated with information as it becomes available.”  Patrick Seybold, Sony Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Social Media.

“We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network. In response to this intrusion, we have:

1. Temporarily turned off PlayStation Network and Qriocity services;
2. Engaged an outside, recognized security firm to conduct a full and complete investigation into what happened; and
3. Quickly taken steps to enhance security and strengthen our network infrastructure by re-building our system to provide you with greater protection of your personal information.

We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill as we do whatever it takes to resolve these issues as quickly and efficiently as practicable.” Sony– Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment.

In addition, there is no word when the network will be up and running again. So what does this means for customers–take the mandatory and necessary precautions to secure your identity and cancel or exchange your credit cards, place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert makes it near impossible for anyone to obtain credit in your name. Fill out the online form with Experian –it doesn’t cost you a thing. It remains on your credit report for 90- days. Thereafter, you can re-apply for the alert at the end of those 90- days if you are still uncertain about your data.

It is important that you protect yourself online! Once you filed a potential fraud alert–stay informed and up-to-date on your information. Collect and keep any data you have to avoid any current and future erroneous charges to your credit report. Stay diligent. Know your consumer rights. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  website has detailed information on how to protect yourself and your personal information online.

Here are the contact numbers to request a fraud alert on your credit report file:

• Equifax: 1-877-576-5734
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Sony is also advising and warning  its users to be alert and stay aware of any phishing attempts that may further request any other identifiable information regarding their PSN accounts.

Image credit: Sony Playstation Network Blog

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When AIDY isn’t writing poetry, she likes to write film reviews. If she is curious about something she seen or heard, she’d maybe write about that, too.