Johannesburg, 29 Apr 2011
Users of Sony's PlayStation Network are at risk of identity theft after hackers broke into the system and accessed the personal data of videogame players.
The implications of the hack, which resulted in the service being offline since last week, are only now becoming clear as Sony has confirmed that the hackers, who broke into the system between 17 and 19 April, were able to access the online gamers' personal information.
According to Sophos, users should take immediate action to ensure their online identities are secure, and that fraudsters cannot take advantage of stolen credit card information.
"Users of Sony's PlayStation Network need to act to minimise the chances that their identity and bank account are compromised following this hack," says Brett Myroff, CEO of regional Sophos distributor, Sophos South Africa. "That means changing your online passwords (especially if you use the same password on other sites), and considering whether it would be prudent to inform your bank that, as far as you're concerned, your credit card is now compromised."
Sony has warned that hackers have been able to access a variety of personal information belonging to users, including:
* Name
* Address
* Country
* E-mail address
* Date of birth
* PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login
* Handle/PSN online ID
In addition, Sony warns that profile information - such as history of past purchases and billing addresses, as well as "secret answers" given to Sony for password security - may also have been obtained. Sony also admits that it cannot rule out the possibility that credit card information may also have been compromised.
"The fact that credit card details, used on the network to buy games, movies and music, may also have been stolen is very disturbing. If Sony loses your credit card information, it's no different from you losing your credit card - you should cancel that card immediately,” says Myroff.
“Questions have to be asked as to whether Sony was ignorant of PCI data security standards, as well as storing this and other personal data in an unencrypted format. All in all, this is a PR and security disaster for Sony."
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