ATTN: The PlayStation Network is back up and running. Read more here.
Update: Sony has posted the following statement on the PlayStation Blog:
“Like other major networks around the world, the PlayStation Network and Sony Entertainment Network have been impacted by an attempt to overwhelm our network with artificially high traffic.
Although this has impacted your ability to access our network and enjoy our services, no personal information has been accessed.
We will continue to work towards fixing this issue and hope to have our services up and running as soon as possible.
We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The original story is below:
PlayStation Network Down Because of DDoS Attacks
The PlayStation Network is currently offline due to a multitude of DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks brought on by hacker group, Lizard Squad. Users attempting to login to PSN receive the error code “NW-31456-9,” and the message, “Cannot connect to the server within the time limit.”
This is certainly not the first instance of Sony’s PlayStation Network being preyed upon by hackers and cyber-terrorists. In 2010, the PSN service fell victim to another hacker attack, and was out of commission for nearly a month. With so many PlayStation owners subscribed to and paying for PlayStation Plus, one would think Sony would have built up their defenses over the past 4 years.
The previously mentioned hacker group, Lizard Squad, has posted on Twitter that they are responsible for this attack, and that it is the first strike of many designed to put a definite end to Sony. They have also stated their reasoning behind the attack is, and I quote, “PC MASTER RACE.” You can view their official Twitter page here.
This story is still developing, and this article will be updated as necessary.
Update #2: Apparently, PSN was not the only victim here. Other services include Blizzard’s Battle.net and EA’s Origin. Click here for more information regarding this situation.
Update #3: The following quote is from GameInformer.com:
“The group claiming responsibility for today’s DDoS attacks on the PlayStation network and others has issued a bomb threat to a flight carrying Sony Online President John Smedley, forcing his flight to divert.”
SOE President Smedleys’ flight was originally going from Dallas to San Diego, however it was re-routed to Phoenix for security reasons.
Also, a Sony representative has stated the following regarding the situation:
“The FBI is currently handling the situation at this time. We have no further comment.”
If the FBI is getting involved, things are definitely getting out of hand.
Update #4: SOE President, John Smedley, has tweeted, “All is well.”
He also had the following to say about the matter:
Yes. My plane was diverted. Not going to discuss more than that. Justice will find these guys.
What do you think of this situation? Were you affected by 2010’s hacker-caused PSN shutdown? Let us know in the comments section below! As always, stay tuned to GamerHeadlines.com for the latest in video gaming and technology news.
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