Sony has today revealed that the “External Intrusion” their PlayStation Network suffered last week has indeed compromised user account details. Sony announced that an “unauthorised person has obtained the following information” of PlayStation Network/Qriocity account holders.
The list pretty much covers all user data held within a PSN user’s account, together with sub-accounts data and user credit card numbers. Sony warns PSN users to try and protect themselves against possible identity theft or other financial loss by remaining vigilant to review credit card account statements and to monitor credit reports.
Details of the Compromised Information
User account information that has been compromised on the Sony PSN:
Name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birth date, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password, login, and handle/PSN online ID. Other profile data may also have been obtained, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip).
If an account holder has authorized a sub-account for a dependent, the same data with respect to that dependent may have been obtained.
If an account holder provided credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, it is possible that the credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may also have been obtained.
Steps for Users to Protect Themselves
Sony has set up an extensive FAQ to try and answer your questions, but it will do little for those whose data has been compromised. Here are some additional steps users can take to protect themselves:
- Change your passwords immediately on any other accounts that use the same or similar passwords as your PSN account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts that offer this feature to add an extra layer of security.
- Regularly monitor your credit card statements and bank accounts for any unusual activity.
- Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports to make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
- Be cautious of phishing emails or phone calls that may attempt to gather more personal information.
Sony has also advised users to be wary of any communications that ask for personal information or direct them to unfamiliar websites. It’s important to remember that legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information via email or phone.
In addition to these steps, users should also consider using credit monitoring services that can alert them to any suspicious activity on their accounts. These services often provide additional tools and resources to help protect against identity theft.
The breach has raised significant concerns about the security measures in place at Sony and other companies that handle sensitive user data. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and the need for companies to continually update and improve their security protocols.
While Sony works to address the breach and improve its security measures, users must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their personal information. By taking the steps outlined above, users can help mitigate the risks associated with this breach and better safeguard their data in the future.
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