Sony have outlined their plans for the impending reinstatement of the Playstation Network during a press conference in Tokyo that began with profuse apologies and bowed Sony personnel.
Sony said that online functionality will return “shortly” and will be phased by region. Initial features to be restored include:
Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
-This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
Access to account management and password reset
Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
PlayStation®Home
Friends List
Chat Functionality
They’ve implemented a series of security measures, with the help of several outside security firms, in order to “further detect unauthorized activity and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.” These include:
Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
Implementation of additional firewalls
In addition, a forced Playstation 3 firmware update will require users to change their Playstation Network passwords. The change can only be made on the Playstation 3 console on which the account was activated, or through email confirmation, as an added layer of security. Sony also took the opportunity to carry out a planned move of the Playstation Network data centres to a new location during the downtime.
“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry. These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security. We take the security of our consumers’ information very seriously and are committed to helping our consumers protect their personal data. In addition, the organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back online, and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “Our global audience of PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers was disrupted. We have learned lessons along the way about the valued relationship with our consumers, and to that end, we will be launching a customer appreciation program for registered consumers as a way of expressing our gratitude for their loyalty during this network downtime, as we work even harder to restore and regain their trust in us and our services.”
Sony also revealed their “Welcome back” initiative, which will see users offered “selected Playstation entertainment content as a free download.” The content is region specific (meaning different regions will get a different gift) and will be announced at a later date. All Playstation Network users will be provided with 30 days of PSN+ subscription, and current subscribers will gain an addition 30 days free service.
While the Playstation Network’s online functionality with be up within the week, the Playstation Store is currently scheduled to return “within the month.”
[Source]
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