Computer security firm Sophos has warned that Sony’s PlayStation Network users and Qriocity users are at risk of identity theft after hackers broke into the systems and accessed confidential personal data users.
Sophos has urged users to take immediate action to ensure their online identities are not compromised and credit card information cannot be used.
“If you’re a user of Sony’s PlayStation Network, now isn’t the time to sit back on your sofa and do nothing. The fraudsters won’t wait around – for them this is a treasure trove ripe for exploiting. You need to act now to minimise the chances that your identity and bank account become casualties following this hack,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.Â
“That means changing your online passwords, especially if you use the same password on other sites, and considering whether it would be prudent to inform your bank that as far as you’re concerned your credit card is now compromised.”
Information that has been accessed by hackers includes users’ names, addresses, country, state, zip code, email address, date of birth, PlayStation Network or Qriocity password and login and Handle or PSN online ID.
Sony has also warned that purchase histories, billing addresses, secret answers for password security and even credit card details may have been compromised.
“The fact that credit card details, used on the network to buy games, movies and music, may also have been stolen is very disturbing,” continued Cluley. “If Sony loses your credit card information, it’s no different from you losing your credit card – you should cancel that card immediately. Questions clearly have to be asked as to whether Sony was ignorant of PCI data security standards and storing this and other personal data in an unencrypted format. All in all, this is a PR and security disaster for Sony.”
