Increased Security Measures Implemented Before Service Restoration;<\/p>\n
Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment<\/p>\n
Tokyo, May 15, 2011<\/strong> \u2013 Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will today begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation\u00aeNetwork and Qriocity Services.\u00a0 The phased restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East.<\/p>\n The first phase of restored services for these countries and regions will include:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Increased Security Measures<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n As the result of a criminal cyber attack on the company\u2019s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services on April 20, in order for the company to undergo an investigation and make enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure.\u00a0\u00a0 Working closely with several respected outside security firms, the company has implemented new and additional security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity, and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.<\/p>\n The company has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls.\u00a0 The company also added a variety of other measures to the network infrastructure including an early-warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to send my sincere regret for the inconvenience this incident has caused you, and want to thank you all for the kind patience you\u2019ve shown as we worked through the restoration process,\u201d said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation.\u00a0 \u201cI can’t thank you enough for your patience and support during this time. We know even the most loyal customers have been frustrated by this process and are anxious to use their Sony products and services again. We are taking aggressive action at all levels to address the concerns that were raised by this incident, and are making consumer data protection a full-time, company wide commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the past 18 months, we\u2019ve seen a dramatic rise in the volume of cyber attacks, their sophistication and their impact on businesses. Thwarting cyber-crime requires an evolutionary approach to security that is well integrated, reduces risk exposure and improves efficiencies,\u201d said Francis deSouza, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Security Group, Symantec. \u201cToday\u2019s cyber crime attacks are proving to be more covert, more targeted and better organized than those we\u2019ve seen in years past. In working with Sony on the move of their data-center, it\u2019s clear they\u2019re implementing measures to reduce security risks moving forward.”\u00a0<\/p>\n As an additional measure, Fumiaki Sakai, president of Sony Global Solutions Inc. (SGS), has been appointed acting Chief Information Security Officer of SNEI.\u00a0 In addition to his current role at SGS, Mr. Sakai, in his role at SNEI, will work to further reinforce overall information security across the company\u2019s network infrastructure.\u00a0 Mr. Sakai will lead the recruiting effort in finding a new and permanent CISO for SNEI.\u00a0 As CISO, Mr. Sakai will report to Tim Schaaff, president, SNEI, as well as to Mr. Shinji Hasejima, CIO, Sony Corporation.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhile we understand the importance of getting our services back online, we did not rush to do so at the expense of extensively and aggressively testing our enhanced security measures. Our consumers\u2019 safety remains our number one priority,\u201d Hirai continued. \u201cWe want to assure our customers that their personal information is being protected with some of the best security technologies available today, so that everyone can feel comfortable enjoying all that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The restoration of the services across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East are beginning, and consumers will be able to enjoy some of the online functionality provided by both the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services.\u00a0 Phased restoration in Japan and other Asian countries and regions will be announced in due course.\u00a0 The company expects to have the services fully restored by the end of May 2011.\u00a0<\/p>\n The company will be offering customers a \u201cWelcome Back\u201d package of services and premium content to all registered PlayStation Network and Qriocity account services.\u00a0 The details of this program will be announced in each region shortly.\u00a0<\/p>\n For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http:\/\/blog.us.playstation.com<\/a> or http:\/\/blog.eu.playstation.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n About Sony Corporation<\/strong><\/p>\n Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world.\u00a0 Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.\u00a0 Sony Global Web Site: http:\/\/www.sony.net\/<\/p>\n About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.<\/strong><\/p>\n Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation\u00ae game console, the PlayStation\u00ae2 computer entertainment system, the PSP\u00ae (PlayStation\u00aePortable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation\u00ae3 (PS3\u00ae) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Increased Security Measures Implemented Before Service Restoration; Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment Tokyo, May 15, 2011 \u2013 Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will today begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation\u00aeNetwork and Qriocity Services.\u00a0 The phased restoration will be on a<\/p>\n\n