Ah, poor Sony. They might as well be walking around with a target on their forehead.
A few days ago, hacker group Lulzec hacked into PBS and published a story claiming that Tupac and Biggie Smalls were alive and well in New Zealand.
They have now set their crosshairs on Sony, if recent tweets are any indicator.
“We’re working on another Sony operation. We’ve condensed all our excited tweets into this one: this is the beginning of the end for Sony” They tweeted.
The group later followed up with another tweet, threatening to implement the first phase of their attack within 24 hours. “Our #Sonage (Sony + ownage) is going at maximum speed, there’s a lot to do”
But this is the best part! They totally missed their own deadline, as nothing happened. Silly hackers. Oh, but what’s this? They have an excuse?
“Sony happens when Sony happens – we’re celebrating our victory right now. The fun will never stop!” They tweeted.
Oh of course. They needed to celebrate their bogus Tupac article making headlines. YAY! Let’s celebrate being douchebags together!
This Saturday PSN and Qriocity will make a…um, partial return, according to Sony. The first countries to be semi-remedied will be Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malyasia and Indonesia.
The first services to be restored are:
The Friends List
Online play for PS3/PSP
PlayStation Home
Torne
Full restoration of PSN for everyone is expected by the end of the month.
Don’t forget, upon restoration Sony is going to launch its “Customer Appreciation Program”, which allows PS3 and PSP owners to choose two free games per platform.
PS3 games to pick from (for NA):
Dead Nation
inFAMOUS
LittleBigPlanet
Super Stardust HD
Wipeout HD + Fury
PSP games to pick from (for NA):
LittleBigPlanet
ModNation Racers
Pursuit Force
Killzone Liberation
Since I don’t own ANY of those (SWEET!) I’m going to choose inFamous, LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers and Killzone Liberation. What about you?
According to TredMicro’s online security expert Kevin Stevens, “low-level cybercriminals” have claimed to be shopping around databases containing credit card information belonging to 2.2 million PSN users.
The information, supposedly available on “illegal forums”, is said to contain mailing addresses, email addresses with corresponding passwords, credit card numbers, expiration dates and the three digit security codes.
RUT ROH.
But before you fret (even harder than you might be), there’s a good chance this is all a bogus attempt to phish information from the bastards that would consider purchasing this information.
Sony has said that it doesn’t store the three digit security code found on the back of credit cards.
“Yeah, this information about the [three-digit security code] numbers could be bogus. The guys selling the [database] could just be making it up,” said Stevens.
Anyway, it’s still a good idea to keep your eye on your biz, if you nah’whatim’sayin.
These PSN guys got me thinking… if I can only hack into a large database of names and credit card numbers, I could go shopping FOREVER. Right, guys? RIGHT?
Lucikly, I’ve got my favorite hacking site with me: Hackertyper.net.
So the hacking may not be real, but you’ll feel like you’re saving the world. Seriously. I’m not sure why, but I have gone back to this every day for three days in a row now. And I just giggle like crazy while “hacking”.
With PSN being down for a week now due to an “external intrusion”, and Sony’s recent acknowledgement that users’ personal information to include birth dates, mailing addresses and credit card information may have been compromised, one can’t help but imagine Microsoft gloating in the background.
So, I’ve searched the internets to see what, if any, statements have been issued by the wonderful folks at Microsoft.
On April 23, three days after PSN went under, a Microsoft representative issued a statement to Electronic Theatre. “Of course it’s regretful that Sony is encountering issues at such a busy time, and Microsoft takes no joy in the problems gamers are having playing their favorite games online. That being said, we are expecting Microsoft’s robust online network to see an increase of traffic from those gamers who own both systems. Being able to play their games via the Xbox Live network could make all the difference for some gamers, and the Xbox Nations event will allow all of them to do just that – whether they have a Gold subscription or not.”
Hehe. SORRY. I shouldn’t laugh. Of course XBL is going to see a jump in traffic and activity; the only other console that supports online play is down! Again, can’t you see the rejoicing and ceremonial dancing n the background?
Last night, however, a very different statement was given to G4, but this time the statement was issued on behalf of Xbox Live. “It’s business as usual with our previously planned Xbox LIVE promotions and programming. Other than that we have no comment.”
Some folks were reading a little too much into the “no comment” portion of the statement, jumping to the conclusion that Microsoft is facing an attack of sort behind the scenes. Personally, I see it as a way for Micrsoft to avoid sounding douchey. Either way, you can bet your arse that they’re monitoring the situation very closely. I guarentee they are looking into their own security protocols.
Just today, Microsoft has warned players that there have been numerous phishing attempts against those playing Modern Warfare 2 online.
“We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience”
More than likely this is completely unrelated to the PSN fiasco, as phishing isn’t uncommon, but still, noteworthy.
The PlayStation Network has been down for a few days now, and everyone’s been wondering when it would start working again. It looks like no one, not even PSN, knows that answer. According to the PlayStation Blog:
“We sincerely regret that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have been suspended, and we are working around the clock to bring them both back online. Our efforts to resolve this matter involve re-building our system to further strengthen our network infrastructure. Though this task is time-consuming, we decided it was worth the time necessary to provide the system with additional security.
We thank you for your patience to date and ask for a little more while we move towards completion of this project. We will continue to give you updates as they become available.”
Sad day. Funny or Die seemed to capture our feelings about this perfectly:
I personally will be able to continue playing Pokemon on the DS and dancing my little heart out on the Wii, so I’m just fine.
EDIT: Playstation has updated the blog stating that PSN has been compromised, and your personal information has been obtained by an unauthorized person. Might be a good time to start changing those passwords and requesting a new number for your credit card. The entry can be found here.
I have felt like a badass ninja twice in my life. Admittedly, the first time was during Tony Horton’s P90X “Kenpo X” workout video. The second (and far less embarrassing) time was when I kicked and punched my way through Kung-Fu Live.
Kung-Fu Live is a PSN title developed by Virtual Air Guitar that immerses players into a side scrolling kick-n-punch frenzy by scanning and inserting their bodies using the PlayStation Eye.
Watch.
Now that you understand what Kung-Fu Live is all about, you have a chance to win free stuff! All you have to do is record yourself playing Kung-Fu Live and shoot your video to kungfuvideo@virtualairguitar.com for the chance to have your video displayed on Kung-Fu Live’s Youtube channel.
But if you wanna win, my guess is you’re going to have to go all-out, balls to the wall. Dig out that ninja Halloween costume you wore as a toddler. Once on, it may tear upon the slightest movement, but that’s part of the awesome. Also, you can use virtually anything as a weapon in Kung-Fu Live. Did you see Kristina and I wield the n00b tube?
You better hurry. The first 20 entries will win exclusive Kung-Fu Live gear.
Each week players and viewers can vote for their favorite videos, and more goodies will be given away.
We’re starting to get some great footage back from PAX, and I’m excited to show off some gameplay of one of my new fave party games: Slam Bolt Scrappers. If you like punching, button mashing, and drinking while doing it, then this is the game for you.
Take a look at our in depth gameplay analysis:
Slam Bolt Scrappers will be available for the PSN in early 2011. Can’t wait!
The Zaxy girls had a BLAST at PAX, and will be bringing you all kinds of goodies and new games throughout the week. Our first post is one of the silliest and most fun activities we did: Kung-Fu Live. Using the Playstation Eye, Kung-Fu Live puts you in the game as a badass fighter. You can fight pre-set enemies, or hand your friends controllers and have them play against you.
The game was pretty darn responsive, and would even allow you to bring in weapons (so if you want to fight with a sword, it can make that happen). It’s a lot of fun to see your actual self in a video game!
Check out the video of us giving the game a try:
You are guaranteed to look ridiculous, get sweaty, and have an amazing time while playing.
Be on the lookout for the game coming to the PSN later this Fall!
Are you a loyal minion of Microsoft? Are you friends with a minion of Sony? Are you constantly hearing, “Sony doesn’t charge for PSN nyaaa nyaaa” from said minion-friend?
Well, prepare to hear of it a lot more.
Starting November 1st, the cost of Xbox Live Gold memberships will increase in Canada, Mexico, UK and US.
While I will leave you to fight your own battles, you can head over here until October 31st if you want to purchase an XBL Gold membership for 40 bucks.
