Sony Warns of PlayStation Network Breach

Sony is warning PlayStation users of a security breach to its PlayStation Network that may have allowed unauthorized access to some users passwords.

Sony has issued a warning that a security failure in its PlayStation Network may have provided unauthorized access to user passwords and accounts. The company says it has taken action to close the breach, and is contacting customers directly if it believes their passwords could have been accessed or altered before a fix was put in place.

Sony recommends PlayStation Network users verify their accounts are intact by signing in to the service. Users who can sign in successfully have not been affected by the incident; others are urged to reset their password or, if that fails, contact Sony directly for assistance.

In a statement on the PlayStation Web site, Sony states: “Although unlikely, it is possible that the passwords of a small percentage of PlayStation Network users may have been changed through unauthorized access, making it possible to view users’ personal information and/or use the Wallet for the PlayStation Store.”

Even when signed in to a PlayStation Network account, the system does not display complete credit card numbers, so Sony believes it is “very unlikely” customer credit card numbers have been compromised.