PlayStation Network Has Been Hacked

Perhaps I just may take some guff for this post, or perhaps nobody will say anything at all (cricket sounds), but the news as to what has happened with PlayStation Network surfaces and as figured, the masses break out in panic. I've been on several of the bigger gaming websites and viewed their articles as well as have explored the 'Comments' section of those sites and have decided to post the following myself.

As you read the articles of these other sites, you wonder whether they're trying to be informative or whether they're trying to stir up some sort of ruckus to gain some attention or some viewings. I'm going to chose to be informative on what's going on but at the same time I'm going to defend Sony a little. I've been rather impressed with the PlayStation Community over the last few days as this has gone on with their responses concerning the incident be it those who only own a PlayStation 3 or those who are gamers that own them all. The response to the situation has been phenomenal. With articles written such as Sony 'Reviewing' PSN Refunds By Greg Miller (IGN) or others written such as PSN Down, U.S. Senetor Responds By Colin Moriarty may come to mind. Perhaps this one in which the Editor commanded Sony compensate for his missed online game time and that time is money, although he isn't an online gamer.

Perhaps you may remember this article from March of 2007 in Xbox LIVE! Hacked. Account Stolen which follows the same ordeal that is happening now. Even individual accounts at Microsoft have been stolen including just recently Larry 'Major Nelson' Hyrb who is the is the Director of Programming for the Microsoft gaming network Xbox Live! had his account breached. This is nothing new to the gaming world and Xbox LIVE! is a PAID SUBSCRIPTION BASED SERVICE! So the fact that you're paying for your service doesn't automatically secure your information. Larry Hyrb's account was breached just last month.

So what has happened and moreso importantly, what is Sony doing to solve the problem? Since the console crack of George Hotz who completely dismantled the PlayStation 3's security, problems have really begun to surface for Sony. The console people believed to be uncrackable had been done. Hacker groups such as Anonymous have capitalized on the security breach of the console and even toyed with and have threatened and followed up with attacks causing problems with the PlayStation Network already. These attacks and problems are believed to be linked with the removal of the Linux Software which was installed on older PS3 consoles and was removed later on. Bitterness, pride and greed have consumed the 'victims' and the result has caused PSN gamers to suffer.

As Sony have learned of the recent attacks on PlayStation Network, the group Anonymous has denied any involvement with the attack and Sony had been forced to shut down PlayStation Network to investigate without any further problems. Now, we know darn well that when the slightest misstep occurs, the media grab hold of it and make a big deal of it and chaos surfaces with panic. Sony isn't going to speak up on something they're not exactly certain of. If you recall other articles posted, Sony has stated they are investigating the matter. Investigating means they are studying the cause, motive and result. To speculate brings about what we've seen in the past with gaming rumors. Sony after having be badgered by a Senator back east to release information on what's been going on, have released information as well as email to its PSN users as to the situation, NOW, all hell has broken loose with the media.

Sony had stated before any of the information was released today, that they're already working around the clock to rebuild PlayStation Network and beef up its security. They're responding. They have also stated that they are working with developers through the matter who are being affected by the PlayStation Network outage. In other words they're concerned with and understanding of developers current predicaments and are working help them keeping a great relationship with those developers. Other sites and articles such as the ones posted above have become demanding saying they want and deserve something out of the situation. Sony have responded to those demands saying that in all fairness, Sony intends to compensate PlayStation Plus Subscribers, Qriocity Users and DC Universe Online users for the time lost.

The reality of the attack now, is that PSN users personal information could have been stolen. Things related to Identity Theft which security firms have mentioned were things you should have always been watching for and constantly watching. Things such as credit scores, card accounts, social security etc, because lets face it, we live in a dishonest world filled with thieves, liars and lazy bums that won't get a job. Certain steps have been advised that users can do to further protect themselves, which are things listed people should be doing anyway. Such as common sense identity theft signs and other information you can learn about here.

What I would like to point out however, is with all of this going on with the sites that I've viewed and comments that I've read with articles suggesting We Should Be Compensated for Our Time Cause Time is Money or Sony Should Reimburse Us. How the actual users have responded. There are some that agree with the articles but many more of others have said: "You know, its a free service. Something that Sony has given us for free and its not as though something like this hasn't happened before. People need to be aware of and protecting their identity with the necessary steps constantly. This is something that isn't Sony's fault, but is the hackers fault. The breach of Xbox LIVE! wasn't Microsofts fault. It was the fault of the hackers and hacking is something that could happen to anyone."

One comment in particular that I read from an article demanding compensation is like many others in which he said in a response to an article "Sony 'Reviewing' Refunds,"

 "I'm a PSN + subscriber and like many other commenter's i dont want to be compensated. I just want the problem to be fixed and be assured that my personal information is now safe. "

"So PSN+ costs about $50 a year, with 52 weeks in a year thats roughly a dollar a week, people a F*****g DOLLAR A WEEK! its been down a week, possibly going on two weeks, or half a month. and everyone seems to think they are owed something and deserving of a refund!?! How about go ask the F**ks who caused this problem for your refund of two dollars. or if you pay for DCUO or something else, your eight dollars."

This is all coming from PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Networks users who have been extremely adult and understanding of the situation. We do live in a sue happy society with greed running rampant over petty things. But, these are only two of thousands of examples of understanding of what's really going on and how to properly deal with the situation. Again, Sony isn't going to spout out something they're unsure of and cause panic and lawsuits up the butt if they're unsure it isn't the cause, isn't the motive and isn't the end result. Sony is doing what they can to get things worked out and make things right. They've given their gamers A LOT! and deserve our patience with working with them. For us to be in their shoes, we might expect the same thing. We can hold out a little longer. For those who are using Qriocity, DC Universe Online and Hulu Plus, Sony has you well taken of. For those who have PlayStation Plus, I have PlayStation Plus myself and I'm alright with this. PlayStation Plus was your additional content, not your right to play multiplayer online. That came with your free subscription of PlayStation Network. All of your DLC is still accessible for offline games. Lets try and follow the example of the many that understand what's going on and the situation and act accordingly.

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