If you’re itching to finally get back online and play some Killzone 3 or SOCOM 4, your wait may finally be coming to a close in a few days. Sony says that certain PSN and Qriocity services will go back online at some point this week. In addition, the publisher also made it clear that they will be bumping up security going forward, as well as providing a courtesy package to its customers that have been negatively affected by the network outage that resulted from the system being hacked. A precise date for the restoration was not given, but Sony did provide us with a list of the features that will go back online.
- Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems – This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
- Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
- Access to account management and password reset
- Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
- PlayStation®Home
- Friends List
- Chat Functionality
As far as protecting the network and its users’ information from future attacks, Sony says that it “has implemented a variety of new security measures to provide greater protection of personal information.” Additionally, Sony and their partners have “conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services.” They are also introducing the new internal position of Chief Information Security Officer that will be responsible for adding “a new position of expertise in and accountability for customer data protection.” An upcoming mandatory system update will also require all users to change their passwords. Finally, they have moved the system to a new data center. The company feels that these moves will make the network secure enough for the phased reintroduction of the services mentioned above.
Localized assistance with identity theft protection and other services will be provided to users as a good will gesture. But shouldn’t you be getting some free game-related stuff for your troubles? Sony thinks so, and that’s why they’re introducing the “Welcome Back” program. This worldwide program will include:
- Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
- All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
- Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.
[Source: Official PlayStation Blog]
[Image courtesy of Tech Shout.]
