PlayStation Network users still under-threat as hackers have enough information to alter passwords
The PlayStation Network (PSN) has been re-launched with added security features but it still seems that hackers may pose a potential threat since the details that were stolen from the original attack could be used to change the PSN user’s password.
The PSN ID, email account, on which it was activated, and old password are reportedly still known by hackers behind the attacks on the Sony servers. These are all the details a hacker would need to find his way into a user’s account the second time as well.
In a move that can only be termed as ‘damage control’, Sony removed a PSN member’s ability to sign-in to the PSN from various websites. The Official PlayStation Forums and Sony’s official PlayStation.com website have removed this feature as well.
In a statement released by Sony, the company explained, "Unfortunately this also means that those who are still trying to change their password via Playstation.com or Qriocity.com will be unable to do so for the time being. This is due to essential maintenance
and at present it is unclear how long this will take”.
Apparently the only way one can access their PSN account is on their PlayStation 3 console or the PlayStation Portable (PSP), thus, reducing the threat of hackers breaking into accounts over the internet.
"In the meantime you will still be able to sign into PSN via your PlayStation 3 and PSP (PlayStation Portable) devices to connect to game services and view Trophy/Friends information."
The PlayStation Network was recently re-launched in phases across the various regions, what Sony executives explained as ‘Phase 1’ of the process, and that further features, such as the PlayStation Store, would follow suit over the coming weeks.
Various reputable gaming forums are advising users to change the email account which they will use for the PlayStation Network to an exclusive one that will be used for nothing else to avoid problems in the future.
However, there have not been any reports of a recent attack on the network or PSN users since the PSN was restored.
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