Sony has launched the first phase to restore the PlayStation Network with a mandatory PlayStation 3 firmware update. According to Sony’s press release, today begins the phased restoration by region of the PSN and Qriocity Services. The restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Here on the east coast of the U.S., the update is live, but the PSN is to "undergoing maintenance."
This first phase of restoration includes the following:
* Sign-in for PlayStation®Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords
* Restoration of online game-play across PS3 and PSP
* Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Network Video Delivery Service on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
* Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC
* Access to 3rd party services such as Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.tv
* ‘Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc
* PlayStation Home
Over on the PlayStation Blog, there is a nifty video (posted below) with Kazuo Hirai detailing the restoration and proving an overview of new security measures. The PSN went offline on April 20 following an attack on Sony’s online systems, including Sony Online Entertainment. For about three weeks PS3 owners have waited patiently for their online service to return while government agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia and beyond have investigated the situation.
Sony said today that it has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including “updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls." The system also has an early-warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network.
"I’d like to send my sincere regret for the inconvenience this incident has caused you, and want to thank you all for the kind patience you’ve shown as we worked through the restoration process," said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. "I can’t thank you enough for your patience and support during this time. We know even the most loyal customers have been frustrated by this process and are anxious to use their Sony products and services again. We are taking aggressive action at all levels to address the concerns that were raised by this incident, and are making consumer data protection a full-time, company wide commitment."
"During the past 18 months, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the volume of cyber attacks, their sophistication and their impact on businesses. Thwarting cyber-crime requires an evolutionary approach to security that is well integrated, reduces risk exposure and improves efficiencies," said Francis deSouza, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Security Group, Symantec. "Today’s cyber crime attacks are proving to be more covert, more targeted and better organized than those we’ve seen in years past. In working with Sony on the move of their data-center, it’s clear they’re implementing measures to reduce security risks moving forward."
Restoration of service in Japan and other Asian countries and regions will be announced soon. Full restoration is expected by the end of the month.