CNet is reporting that partial service PlayStation Network has been restored, allowing gamers to play online and shop in the PSN Store. Nearly its entire portfolio of online games, game forums and Web sites will go back online but the company will also require players to reset their passwords.
Sony states:
As the result of a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s network, SOE shut down its game services in order for the company to undertake an investigation and incorporate rigorous enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure. SOE worked with several outside respected security firms during the course of implementing significant security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity and provide customers with greater protection of their personal information.
SOE made enhancements to overall data security as well, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring, performing new penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption.
“Our main priority is the safety and security of our customers’ personal information,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “We are making consumer data protection a full-time, company-wide commitment, and have applied enhanced security technologies so that our customers can feel protected and confident about playing our games.”
Hirai added, “We are committed to delivering secure and entertaining games for players of all ages and thank each of our players for their patience and support during this difficult time.”
SOE will also be offering its customers a “Welcome Back” program that includes special game content and services to all registered Station Account holders. As part of this program, players will receive 30 days of additional game time plus one day for each day SOE’s services were down.
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In this episode we’ve got a lot of MMO-style content and news. Although we’re not reviewing Wrath of the Lich King yet, we’ve got other subscription based news. This weeks gaming flashback is Defender and this weeks news includes:
Welcome back Paul, I didn’t know if it was for certain since Jonah said *might* be. I’ve been listening to since DanQ joined months ago.
I like how you get on my case about not being able to pick a favorite soundtrack and then go on to say how hard it is to do just that.
I feel that Link to the Past is still my favorite Zelda game in the series. I didn’t realize it was so heavily edited for American audiences but I am not surprised it was since it is a big practice to modify games and shows from Japan.
@Bully: Why would anyone want to play a game where they actually go to school? Didn’t we all do enough of that?
QOTW: Now, Jonah, what do you mean Boss battles are generally bad? That’s the high light of a good game, like in the Zelda series. They even made a game solely about Boss Battles (Shadow of the Colossus).