Services Return Following Implementation of Increased Security Measures; Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment
SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2011 - Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced today that restoration of its game services will begin today. The phased restoration will include the return of nearly all of SOE's portfolio of online games, the reinstatement of SOE's game forums and websites, and added functionality to require players to reset their passwords.
Increased Security Measures
As the result of a criminal cyber-attack on the company's network, SOE shut down its game services in order for the company to undertake an investigation and incorporate rigorous enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure. SOE worked with several outside respected security firms during the course of implementing significant security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity and provide customers with greater protection of their personal information.
SOE made enhancements to overall data security as well, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring, performing new penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption.
"Our main priority is the safety and security of our customers' personal information," said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. "We are making consumer data protection a full-time, company-wide commitment, and have applied enhanced security technologies so that our customers can feel protected and confident about playing our games."
Hirai added, "We are committed to delivering secure and entertaining games for players of all ages and thank each of our players for their patience and support during this difficult time."
SOE will also be offering its customers a "Welcome Back" program that includes special game content and services to all registered Station Account holders. As part of this program, players will receive 30 days of additional game time plus one day for each day SOE's services were down. The details of this program are available at www.soe.com/securityupdate/welcomeback.
For more information about the SOE network intrusion and restoration, please visit http://www.soe.com/securityupdate
SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT RESTORES GAME SERVICES
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SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT RESTORES GAME SERVICES
"It is good to have an end to journey towards:
but it is the journey that matters in the end." ~Ursula K Le Guin
- Zahasha
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Re: SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT RESTORES GAME SERVICES
PC WELCOME BACK DETAILS
We want to ensure that your experience is as positive as possible as you re-enter our games. To show our gratitude for your patience and support, Sony Online Entertainment is offering a Welcome Back Program, the details of which are outlined below.
Firstly, as a Station Account holder in good standing, you will receive 45 days of game time (30 days plus 1 day for each day of the outage) added to your Station Account. This game time applies to any game you have currently or previously activated on your Station Account.
For those customers on an active paying plan, this time has been added to the end of your current billing cycle. For all other customers, your time begins upon your first login to each of the relevant games. Customers must login by 11:59 pm PST August 31, 2011 to claim the game time.
If you require the latest SOE game software, visit www.soe.com/getthegame.
In addition to game time, current Station Access subscribers (with accounts in good standing) will receive 500 Station Cash.
Lifetime subscribers/members (who are therefore not on a billing cycle) will receive in-game currency instead of game time:
Clone Wars Adventures™ - 7,500 Galactic Credits
Free Realms® - 20,000 Coin
DC Universe™ Online - 10 Marks of Distinction
Additionally, many of our PC games are offering a variety of items and special events to welcome players back, depending on which game(s) you play or have ever played. The table below covers, by game, which items are available and who is eligible to receive them.
EverQuest®
Double XP
Double Rare Mob Spawns
Double Faction Gains
All players, each character
May 14, 2011 through May 22, 2011 Just login and play!
Don't forget to reset your password. Station Account holders are required to reset their password as an added security measure. We recommend that you do this immediately, if you have not done so already. Once you reset your password, please review your account details and ensure they are correct.
We want to ensure that your experience is as positive as possible as you re-enter our games. To show our gratitude for your patience and support, Sony Online Entertainment is offering a Welcome Back Program, the details of which are outlined below.
Firstly, as a Station Account holder in good standing, you will receive 45 days of game time (30 days plus 1 day for each day of the outage) added to your Station Account. This game time applies to any game you have currently or previously activated on your Station Account.
For those customers on an active paying plan, this time has been added to the end of your current billing cycle. For all other customers, your time begins upon your first login to each of the relevant games. Customers must login by 11:59 pm PST August 31, 2011 to claim the game time.
If you require the latest SOE game software, visit www.soe.com/getthegame.
In addition to game time, current Station Access subscribers (with accounts in good standing) will receive 500 Station Cash.
Lifetime subscribers/members (who are therefore not on a billing cycle) will receive in-game currency instead of game time:
Clone Wars Adventures™ - 7,500 Galactic Credits
Free Realms® - 20,000 Coin
DC Universe™ Online - 10 Marks of Distinction
Additionally, many of our PC games are offering a variety of items and special events to welcome players back, depending on which game(s) you play or have ever played. The table below covers, by game, which items are available and who is eligible to receive them.
EverQuest®
Double XP
Double Rare Mob Spawns
Double Faction Gains
All players, each character
May 14, 2011 through May 22, 2011 Just login and play!
Don't forget to reset your password. Station Account holders are required to reset their password as an added security measure. We recommend that you do this immediately, if you have not done so already. Once you reset your password, please review your account details and ensure they are correct.
"It is good to have an end to journey towards:
but it is the journey that matters in the end." ~Ursula K Le Guin
Re: SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT RESTORES GAME SERVICES
I think the 30 days free also applies to expired accounts...
- Zahasha
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Re: SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT RESTORES GAME SERVICES
Yes it does Gildawen, actually I think it is 45 days.
It allows folks to log in, change their password and enjoy EQ before August 31, 2011
It allows folks to log in, change their password and enjoy EQ before August 31, 2011
Firstly, as a Station Account holder in good standing, you will receive 45 days of game time (30 days plus 1 day for each day of the outage) added to your Station Account. This game time applies to any game you have currently or previously activated on your Station Account.
"It is good to have an end to journey towards:
but it is the journey that matters in the end." ~Ursula K Le Guin