More than a month after suffering an “external intrusion” that shut down the PlayStation Network (PSN), Sony announced today that it will fully restore PSN services by the end of the week in most countries. However, PSN users in Sony’s native Japan will have to wait, as the Japanese government awaits proof that the company has fixed the security issues leading to the breach.
As Threatpost previously reported, Sony began a partial restoration process on May 15, which gave users access to online game play, account management, friend lists, and chat functionalities. The complete restoration will deliver full functionality on the PlayStation Store, Qriocity and Media Go, in-game commerce and the ability to redeem vouchers and codes.
The new date for a full restoration of service is later than an earlier estimation of having the network back online by the end of the month. However, the company is still at loggerheads with government regulators in Japan and is holding off of a full restoration of its networks there as it waits for regulators to be convinced that the company had taken steps to secure them.
Sony has, in fact, been beset with problems as it seeks to restore access to its lucrative online gaming networks. First, an internal investigation revealed that the hack was more widespread than first believed. Then, password reset problems brought parts of the network down again shortly after the partial restoration was announced.
A spokesperson from Sony told Reuters that the delay in the restoration process in Japan has to do with a need to meet certain IT security regulations in that country, but declined going into further detail.
“We have been conducting additional testing and further security verification of our commerce functions in order to bring the PlayStation Network completely back online so that our fans can again enjoy the first class entertainment experience they have come to love,” said Kazuo Hirai CEO of Sony Corporation in the company’s press release. “We appreciate the patience and support shown during this time.”
Sony claims they will offer a “Welcome Back” package to their users who stuck with them through the downtime. In fact, shortly after announcing the partial restoration process earlier this month, Sony posted a blog detailing what exactly this “Welcome Back” package would include. Unless the Japanese entertainment company has changed their mind, PS3 and PSP customers will be able to choose any two games listed here.
