14 DAY TRIAL // Sony has just deployed a brand new firmware update to all of its PlayStation Portable consoles, taking their software up to version 6.39 and requiring users to change their PlayStation Network password because of the security risk from last month's hacker attack.
Sony has had a very difficult period in the last few weeks, as after a hacker attack affected its PlayStation Network and Online Entertainment services, it made the decision to take them down in order to add extra security layers.
Now, after restoring a part of the PSN and deploying a mandatory firmware update for PlayStation 3 home consoles, the Japanese console has also released new software for its PlayStation Portable handheld devices.
The new firmware updates them to version 6.39 and is currently being released all over the world.
"A new PSP system software update, v6.39, will be released soon," said Sony's Vice President of Network Entertainment, Eric Lempel. "With this update, users who need to change their PlayStation Network password will be guided through the process. Also, system software stability during use of some features will be improved."
Just like with the release of the 3.61 firmware update for the PlayStation 3, as an extra measure of security, owners of PSP devices are going to have to update their password.
Sony confirmed that hackers may have gotten a hold of personal user information, so it's not taking any chances and wants users to secure their accounts.
The company, however, didn't say anything else about the firmware update, so users still don't know for sure when the PlayStation Network will be fully operational.
As of right now, the multiplayer part of the online service is functional, but other things like the PlayStation Store, aren't available.
Expect more details in the following weeks, but, until then, PSP owners can get the new firmware the next time they connect their portable devices to the Internet.