Sony Takes Precautionary Measures By Undisclosed PSN Passwords
📅 - Lately, U.S. users trying to login to the PlayStation Network have occasionally received a message notifying them that the wrong password was entered. Turns out, they don't need to worry, as Sony has reset some passwords (undisclosed figure) after announcing that there was some ‘irregular activity' detected on the network.
The move isn't the first from Sony after releasing its latest flagship console. The company also reset passwords for an undisclosed number of users in the EU (European Union) less than a week ago. According to a thread on the PlayStation forums, this is a routine move from Sony whenever it identifies suspicious activity in the PSN network.
The Sony online support coordinator revealed on the forum that the PSN is monitored for any irregular activity, and any detection will sometimes lead to the resetting of passwords. However, this was only a precautionary measure because there was no evidence of the accounts being compromised.
The notification also revealed that the change only affected a small number of users, and no further details would be provided as it would dampen the ability to keep the users safe from breaches. Sony didn't reveal any details of the suspicious network activity in both U.S. and EU cases.
Users can get their account working again by resetting the password. There are two ways to get it done; either through a personal computer or a personal console (PS Vita, PS3 and PS4). All the instructions for each method are listed in detail on the official PlayStation website.
The Japanese console giant has adopted a cautious approach towards the PSN ever since an attack which led to hackers taking advantage of a lot of unencrypted data. Since then, the security of the PlayStation network has been accompanied by a question mark, and some users have even turned to rival platforms such as Xbox Live. The breach further underscored the widespread need for next-generation network access protection.
“Deep protection” like this and network security that can counter attack specific threats in real time isn't something that many companies offer yet, much to gamers' consternation. Some have tried to write their own codes, but are having little luck. TrendMicro.com, in fact, is one of the very few companies that PSN members say have been very helpful in keeping their information safe and the nefarious types out of their home networks. This is likely to change over time, but for now the pickings are slim.
Users also questioned the stability of the network after launch day, when PS4 were receiving error messages upon logging in to PSN. Some of the error messages had associated codes; NW-31453-6 and E-80E80034. Sony quickly fixed the issue with a software version 1.50 update to the website, along with seeding features like group chat, download games, Remote Play etc.
In an attempt to bring back, retain and attract new users, Sony has also opened up added perks for subscribers of their PlayStation Plus membership. The offer revealed the Instant Game Collection, letting users download some non-obscure game titles for free, with the list including the likes of Assassin's Creed 3 and new titles added each month. Sony has also made the PS Plus subscription in the Black Friday deals.
As a flashback, 77 million accounts of PSN users were reported to be stolen 2 years ago and SANS Institute even labeled the breach as the largest recorded case of data identity information theft. The price tag of the breach was reported at a $171 million figure.
Games and analysts have sided with the latest move as being precautionary as PS4 continues to roll out in different parts of the world. Users will additionally need their date of birth and PlayStation Network email address listed on their accounts for a successful reset.
The move isn't the first from Sony after releasing its latest flagship console. The company also reset passwords for an undisclosed number of users in the EU (European Union) less than a week ago. According to a thread on the PlayStation forums, this is a routine move from Sony whenever it identifies suspicious activity in the PSN network.
The Sony online support coordinator revealed on the forum that the PSN is monitored for any irregular activity, and any detection will sometimes lead to the resetting of passwords. However, this was only a precautionary measure because there was no evidence of the accounts being compromised.
The notification also revealed that the change only affected a small number of users, and no further details would be provided as it would dampen the ability to keep the users safe from breaches. Sony didn't reveal any details of the suspicious network activity in both U.S. and EU cases.
Users can get their account working again by resetting the password. There are two ways to get it done; either through a personal computer or a personal console (PS Vita, PS3 and PS4). All the instructions for each method are listed in detail on the official PlayStation website.
The Japanese console giant has adopted a cautious approach towards the PSN ever since an attack which led to hackers taking advantage of a lot of unencrypted data. Since then, the security of the PlayStation network has been accompanied by a question mark, and some users have even turned to rival platforms such as Xbox Live. The breach further underscored the widespread need for next-generation network access protection.
“Deep protection” like this and network security that can counter attack specific threats in real time isn't something that many companies offer yet, much to gamers' consternation. Some have tried to write their own codes, but are having little luck. TrendMicro.com, in fact, is one of the very few companies that PSN members say have been very helpful in keeping their information safe and the nefarious types out of their home networks. This is likely to change over time, but for now the pickings are slim.
Users also questioned the stability of the network after launch day, when PS4 were receiving error messages upon logging in to PSN. Some of the error messages had associated codes; NW-31453-6 and E-80E80034. Sony quickly fixed the issue with a software version 1.50 update to the website, along with seeding features like group chat, download games, Remote Play etc.
In an attempt to bring back, retain and attract new users, Sony has also opened up added perks for subscribers of their PlayStation Plus membership. The offer revealed the Instant Game Collection, letting users download some non-obscure game titles for free, with the list including the likes of Assassin's Creed 3 and new titles added each month. Sony has also made the PS Plus subscription in the Black Friday deals.
As a flashback, 77 million accounts of PSN users were reported to be stolen 2 years ago and SANS Institute even labeled the breach as the largest recorded case of data identity information theft. The price tag of the breach was reported at a $171 million figure.
Games and analysts have sided with the latest move as being precautionary as PS4 continues to roll out in different parts of the world. Users will additionally need their date of birth and PlayStation Network email address listed on their accounts for a successful reset.
Reads: 2012 | Category: General | Source: TheHN : The Hosting News
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