Fraud alert to gamers using the PSN!
Press Release:
In the wake of the PlayStation network hacking in late April, leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions Kaspersky Lab is urging users of the PlayStation Network (PSN) to keep a watchful eye on their credit card information for signs of fraud or purchases that they may not have made.
The company further recommended that any passwords used on the PSN must be changed immediately especially if these have been reused somewhere else. In addition, Kaspersky Lab also warns users of emails claiming to be from Sony or affiliate firms asking for personal information.
Kaspersky Lab junior malware analyst Timothy Armstrong says it is quite evident that Sony did not make enough effort to secure user data. It was often believed that networks of game consoles, including Microsoft's Xbox Live, are largely trusted because these have had no history of security issues common among websites and personal computers.
Just days after the incident was reported, Sony admitted that nearly all types of user information became available to the unknown hacker. These include the names, addresses, email addresses, birthdays, and PSN login details of over 70 million PSN users.
Furthermore, Sony said that there is possibility of credit card information being stolen as well. It promised that it is extensively investigating the matter and is in the process of rebuilding the network while undergoing security audits.
Though it was not clear what methods were used to hack into PSN, it shows attackers are becoming increasingly interested in alternate sources of personal information.
“Console gaming on platforms such as the Playstation and Xbox are incredibly successful in large part due to the networks behind them. Users can purchase games, content, and access to third party services such as Netflix,” says Armstrong.
The alleged PSN hack was first revealed in April 20, allegedly allowed the hackers to gain access to personal accounts and passwords of over 70 million users. This is considered the first such major hack of a gaming console network.
The PSN is an online service by Sony to users of their PlayStation 3 console and PlayStation Portable handheld player. This service allows users to download a variety of games, add-on applications, and other exclusive web-related services.
Apart from the PSN, Microsoft has its own online service called Xbox Live for its Xbox 360 owners. Nintendo also has its WiiConnect24 for its Wii game console .
No comments:
Post a Comment