The PlayStation Network breach and shutdown has affected millions of PlayStation 3 and PSP owners, and now it looks like there is some bad news for PC gamers as well.
Earlier today Sony Online Entertainment temporarily shut down its servers due to an intrusion.
A notice released by the company on SOE websites reads:
"We have had to take the SOE service down temporarily. In the course of our investigation into the intrusion into our systems we have discovered an issue that warrants enough concern for us to take the service down effective immediately. We will provide an update later today (Monday)."
Though it was not stated that the PlayStation Network hack has anything to do with SOE’s server issues, it seems to be the likely cause.
SOE is in charge of many MMO franchises and games, including Everquest, PlanetSide, and DC Universe Online. Unfortunately fans of those games will have to make do without them for at least a little while.
GamerNode will update this story as new information is released.
UPDATE: Sony Online Entertainment has revealed that user information was stolen from their servers on April 16 and April 17.
Part of the press release states:
"This information, which was discovered by engineers and security consultants reviewing SOE systems, showed that personal information from approximately 24.6 million SOE accounts may have been stolen, as well as certain information from an outdated database from 2007. The information from the outdated database that may have been stolen includes approximately 12,700 non-U.S. credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates (but not credit card security codes), and about 10,700 direct debit records of certain customers in Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Spain."
It looks like US players are in the clear while those who live in Europe may have had their credit/debit card information compromised. The press release does refer to the "outdated database" though, so hopefully most of that information pertains to old credit/debit cards.
SOE has provided additional information for those wanting to take steps if their user data was compromised.
