14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher Sony has managed to get the PlayStation Network service back online over the weekend and the Sony Online Entertainment maintained services, with gamers now able to play online-based content and able to contact others through friends lists.
Those who have PSN accounts are now able to sign into the service, access Qriocity, play games online on the PlayStation 3, access the Music Unlimited service, get on Netflix and use other applications like Hulu and other content delivery channels.
All those who turn on a PlayStation 3 home gaming console that is connected to the Internet will be asked to download and apply a new 3.61 firmware update, which is mandatory.
Sony says that the new firmware is specifically designed to add an extra layer of security to the PlayStation Network, making sure that another round of attacks is unsuccessful.
A statement from Kaz Hirai, the leader of the PlayStation Division at Sony, reads “While we understand the importance of getting our services back online, we did not rush to do so at the expense of extensively and aggressively testing our enhanced security measures.”
He adds, “Our consumers' safety remains our number one priority. We want to assure our customers that their personal information is being protected with some of the best security technologies available today, so that everyone can feel comfortable enjoying all that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer.”
The PSN has been down since April 20 when a hacker group attacked the service and managed to penetrate its security and steal the personal information, including credit card data, for more than 77 million users.
Sony has pledged to announce all those who have been affected by the security breach and urges all users to change their passwords.
With the PSN back online, Sony faces a tough road to regaining the trust of its users and reverse a trend that has seen trade ins for the PS3 increase by 200 percent in the last few weeks.