Sony’s PlayStation Network service is gradually coming online once again following a spate of involuntary downtime earlier today.
Sony’s official Ask PlayStation customer service Twitter account has posted the following update:
Sony Network Ent. has reported that PSN service is returning, but you may experience slowness or login issues as the network stabilizes.
— Ask PlayStation (@AskPlayStation) August 25, 2014
The reconvened service comes after a DDoS attack on Sony’s Network earlier today – claimed to be by hacking group ‘Lizard Squad’ – a process where floods of data is sent to a particular server in order for it to cease production and crash, rendering users unable to access network features of the afflicted system.
For clarity, a DDoS attack is near-impossible to safeguard against but is not a form of hacking; your personal details are safe and sound on Sony’s encrypted system – a mechanic that was strengthened following PlayStation’s infamous outage some three years ago.
PSN wasn’t the only online-based service to be affected by today’s events; Blizzard’s Battle.Net as well as Riot and Grinding Gear games were said to be under strain by the same type of attack.
Sony Computer Entertainment head honcho John Smedley kept gamers in the know with a series of Tweets on his official Twitter account, too.
Services will be gradually restored. For some it’s up now. For others the route they take may be flooded so they can’t log in yet.
— John Smedley (@j_smedley) August 24, 2014
Things took a far more sinister turn when an American Airlines flight to San Diego carrying Smedley had to be diverted to Phoenix Airport on account of a bomb scare, claimed to be by the same group who carried out the DDoS attack. Federal security is currently investigating the incident.
We’re not sure whether or not this event will have adverse effects on Sony’s scheduled PSN maintenance tomorrow, but we expect confirmation regarding that very soon.
Are you able to connect to Sony’s PlayStation Network now? Let us know in the comments section below.