With Sony’s PlayStation Network still down following a string of hacking attacks by a still unknown group, the accusations and questions have been flying in all directions. Who exactly at behind the attack, why did they do it, and perhaps more importantly, how did they manage it?
After claims by security expert Gene Spafford that the hacks were made possible by Sony’s running outdated software on its servers, the Japanese outfit was quick to jump on the defensive. Sony’s Patrick Seybold said that not only were Sony’s web servers fully up to date, but they also had ‘multiple security measures in place’.
"The previous network for Sony Network Entertainment International and Sony Online Entertainment used servers that were patched and updated recently, and had multiple security measures in place, including firewalls."
Weeks after the original hack though, Sony still doesn’t know for sure who was behind the intrusion, though the speculate that Anonymous may have had a hand in it. Large companies such as Visa, Paypal and Mastercard have already fallen foul of Anonymous lately, and few would doubt their ability to pull off such a brazen attack on Sony.
With the aim of getting information on the perpetrators, Sony is now considering offering a reward for information in conjunction with law enforcement. This unprecedented move shows just how desperate Sony are to bring the attackers to justice and, hopefully, begin to put the whole sordid affair to bed for once and for all.
Sony’s PSN and Qriocity services are still offline at the time of writing, with no concrete information available as to when either will be brought back online. The only tentative information coming out of Sony currently is pointing toward re-establishing service before the end of May.
Plenty of wiggle-room there then.
(via: CNET)
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