Kaspersky Lab to PlayStation users: Keep watch over your credit cards

Recent attack hacks on the Sony PlayStation network has internet threat management company Kaspersky Lab urging users of the PlayStation Network (PSN) to keep a watchful eye on their credit card information for signs of fraud or purchases that they may not have made. On Friday, the PSN was hacked for a second time, having been hacked before in the last week of April. Kaspersky Lab has recommended that any passwords used on the PSN must be changed immediately. In addition, the company also warns users of emails claiming to be from Sony or affiliate firms asking for personal information. Kaspersky Lab junior malware analyst Timothy Armstrong said Sony did not make enough effort to secure user data, citing the widespread belief that networks of game consoles – including rival Microsoft's Xbox Live – are largely trusted because these have had no history of security issues common among websites and personal computers. Just days after the first hacking incident on April 19, Sony admitted that the unknown hacker gained access to nearly all types of user information – including names, addresses, email addresses, birthdays, and PSN login details of over 70 million PSN users. Furthermore, Sony said that credit card information could have been stolen as well. The company promised that it is extensively investigating the matter and is in the process of rebuilding the network while undergoing security audits. Though it was not clear what methods were used to hack into PSN, it shows attackers are becoming increasingly interested in alternate sources of personal information. The PSN hack is considered the first such major hack of a gaming console network. “Console gaming on platforms such as the PlayStation and Xbox are incredibly successful in large part due to the networks behind them. Users can purchase games, content, and access to third party services such as Netflix," said Armstrong. The PSN is an online service by Sony to users of their PlayStation 3 console and PlayStation Portable handheld player. This service allows users to download a variety of games, add-on applications, and other exclusive web-related services. — MRT/KBK, GMA News