Sony has released a new firmware update for the PlayStation 3 to go alongside the relaunch of the PlayStation Network. The new software update requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The v3.61 update is mandatory and is available now.
The PlayStation Network relaunch is now under way across the world. Kazuo Hirai has made an official announcement about the relaunch, and apologizes to the consumers for the PSN and Qoricity service outage. You can see the announcement below.
The PlayStation Network was originally scheduled to return online last week, but with more attacks, this was delayed further. This week, rumors have suggested that the PSN won’t be back online until May 31st 2011, but Sony has posted a new update on the situation. The new update indicates the PSN could return online within the next few days.
As you may know, Sony has begun the process of restoring the service through internal testing of the new system. It looks like the initial estimate of bring the PSN online this week may be delayed a little to allow Sony to further test the new network changes. A update from Sony was released earlier today to update games on the current progress (see below).
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Sony will be offering gamers free identity theft protection for 1 year in both America and Europe (through different providers), to help protect users if they personal data is used as result of the PSN breach. In addition to identity theft protection, PSN users will also have the opportunity to select two PS3 games from a list of five, as well as offering PSP users the opportunity to choose two games from a list of four.
Today, the global network and security teams at Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment began the final stages of internal testing of the new system, an important step towards restoring PlayStation Network and Qriocity services.
After the PSN got hacked, Sony has been the victim of yet another security incident. Sony Online Entertainment confirmed that they were also victims of a malicious hack. The attack compromised more personal information and credit / debit card details for users using the SOE service. Press release has been included below.
Sony has confirmed that parts of the PlayStation Network will come back online sometime this week. The news was announced at a press conference that took place in Tokyo, Japan over the weekend. Sony is resume PSN services in stages, and will also be offering gamers some compensation for the downtime.
Sony has posted a useful FAQ to address all the questions you may have about the PSN downtime. The FAQ covers everything that was sent out in the official email and update from Sony yesterday, and more specific information about the intrusion and how it can affect you. You can also find the FAQ on the official PlayStation website.
