Sony's data intrusion problem

Yesterday, Sony made the announcement in a press release that “user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network.” Sony went on to say that the company discovered the intrusion in conjunction with a major attack on their PlayStation Network and Qriocity sometime between April 17^th and April 19^th this year. The PSN and Qriocity networks remain offline for now as the investigation takes place.

The personal data of nearly 70 million users have been potentially compromised during this intrusion. Information that may have been taken includes credit card information, name and personal data, and address and contact details. It is hard to know exactly how much personal data will be maliciously used, but we will no doubt hear about it in the months to come. This news, though shocking, is coming as no surprise to all of us who have had to deal with other personal data compromises including most recently iTunes accounts.

What is different this time around is that the UK Information Commissioner Christopher Graham announced today that he is launching an investigation into the breach of personal data that involves British users. Graham said “We are contacting Sony and will be making further enquiries to establish the precise nature of the incident before deciding what action, if any, needs to be taken by this office.” That action could be a fine up to £500,000.

The full details of the data intrusion have yet to be fully disclosed; however it seems that the personal data was not encrypted in an appropriate way. Though Sony will have a lot to answer for including a decrease in trust from their customers, it is important to note that we as users can do a few things to protect ourselves. First, don’t reuse the same passwords across all of your personal accounts. We all do this, but try and diversify. Second, try and use a credit card or payment system for online accounts that is not directly related to personal bank details. Though this isn’t always practical, some kind of online only credit card is easier to monitor and cancel than a bank card with bank details. Third, think about the information that you are sending across when signing up for an account online or in a social environment. Again, we all have these accounts, but taking a moment to ensure greater personal security if at all possible does help to minimise the amount and type of information stolen.

 

 

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but taking a moment to ensure greater personal security if at all possible does help to minimise the amount and type of information stolen.

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Though Sony will have a lot to answer for including a decrease in trust from their customers, it is important to note that we as users can do a few things to protect ourselves.

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The full details of the data intrusion have yet to be fully disclosed; however it seems that the personal data was not encrypted in an appropriate way.