Sony has announced plans to immediately begin switching its PlayStation Network and Qriocity music streaming service back on, which have been shut down since hackers broke into the network on April 20 and stole records of an estimated 77 million users.After implementing a variety of new security measures, Sony said it plans a “phased restoration” of the services by region.
However Australian executives were in the dark last night about how soon Down Under services would be restored. “We have had no confirmation of local timing,” spokeswoman Jacqui Christie told CDN last night.
Sony said that since the attack it has engaged a number of expert information security firms, conducted an extensive audit of its system, and implemented a number of new security measures to provide greater protection of personal information.
The consumer electronics giant is expediting a move to a new, more secure datacentre and has created the position of chief information security officer, to concentrate on consumer data protection.
All registered PlayStation Network users will have to change their account passwords before being able to sign back on. The password can then only be changed on the same PS3 on which the account was activated, or via validated e-mail.
Sony has also promised a “customer appreciation program” that will reward the 77 million users for their loyalty during the network downtime – though the actual rewards have yet to be specified.
