Sony’s PlayStation Network has been down for over per week, and it’s a royal mess for all involved — as you’ve indisputably heard, an external intrusion by unknown hackers compromised the private information (supposedly including everything but bank card numbers) of probably tens of thousands of users. This morning, Sony VP Kaz Hirai (formerly of the PlayStation division) will address the arena from the corporate’s headquarters in Japan, and our friends at Engadget Japanese are at the scene to bring us first-hand details in exactly a couple of minutes. Additionally, there seems to be an official livestream with a view to begin at 1AM ET, so keep it locked the following and potentially find some video at our source link.
Update: We’re hearing that Sony’s ” goodwill gesture ” will not be a shockingly significant one — affected users can expect a free 30-day subscription to PlayStation Plus and a free software download of a few sort, while Qriocity customers gets an additional 30 days of service at the house.
2:00 JST: It’s begun — following a bit of Mozart, Sony has trotted out three solemn-looking executives. More updates after the break.
Developing…
2:02 JST: Kaz Hirai and follow bow deeply, giving apologies. They plan to talk about corporate strategy in five points.
2:05 JST: On April 20, JST, says Sony, they were first alerted to unauthorized access.
2:06 JST: The 1st experts brought in determined it was a highly skilled intruder, so Sony brought in a second security firm to come to a decision what had happened.
2:06 JST: Then, they emailed customers and published warning information. Thus far, so good.
2:08 JST: Yeah, a lot of information was potentially stolen. “No evidence that mastercard numbers, expiration dates or billing addresses” were stolen, though, in step with the livestream translation.
2:09 JST: They haven’t confirmed any cases of mastercard fraud thus far, and may tell us after they have additional info. Seems like they simply don’t know yet.
2:10 JST: There’s a diagram up — attackers accessed a database using a device of a few sort. The Japanese translation here isn’t technical enough to inform us what.
2:12 JST: Kaz says there’ll be new safety features to avoid any such hack in future. New data center, moved from San Diego to a brand new location with “more advanced security.” Enhanced detection capabilities, automated software monitoring, enhanced levels of information encryption, enhanced everything. Additional firewalls. Good to grasp.
2:14 JST: There’ll be an extra sign-on security measure of a few sort, but Sony’s also asking customers to be vigilant and check their bank card statements. Seems like they’re worried about fraud in spite of everything. They’re asking customers to modify all their passwords too, and alter all passwords used on other websites that happen to be similar to the PSN ones.
2:17 JST: Sony says it’s going to “consider” procuring new bank cards in the event that they need to be re-issued to affected customers.
2:18 JST: Yep, 30 day free PS Plus membership, 30 days of free service for Qriocity and Music Unlimited customers and a free gift of a few software. Nice gesture.
2:19 JST: We missed somewhat there, however it seems like they’re planning to revive full network functionality inside the month. Considering it’s May 1st, that may be quite a wait.
2:20 JST: Now Sony’s complaining about being targeted by Anonymous, both within the sort of direct attacks and protests.
2:21 JST: Another round of apologies.
2:22 JST: Q&A time.
2:25 JST: There were as many as 10 million charge cards registered, but Sony’s undecided what percentage if any were compromised.
2:26 JST: “By the tip of per week’s time, we’d love to restart our services so as,” says the translator. Sony expects there may financial impact of re-issuing mastercards, lost sales on PSN and Qriocity items, etc, but don’t have concrete information at the impact yet.
2:27 JST: Again, they are saying they haven’t received any reports of tangible damages from mastercard fraud as of yet.
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