Sony PlayStation Hack leads to Credit Cards and Passwords Insecurity

VARINDIA- INDIA'S FRONTLINE IT MAGAZINE

Sophos is advising users of Sony's PlayStation Network that they are at risk of identity theft after hackers broke into the system and accessed the personal data of videogame players.

The implications of the hack, which resulted in the service being offline since the last week, are only now becoming clear as Sony has confirmed that the hackers, who broke into the system between 17th & 19th April, were able to access the online gamers' personal information. According to computer security firm Sophos, users should take immediate action to ensure that their online identities are secure, and that fraudsters cannot take advantage of stolen credit card information.

"If you are a user of Sony's PlayStation Network, now is not 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 minimize the chances that your identity and bank account become casualties following this hack," said Graham Cluley, Senior Technology Consultant, Sophos. "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 are concerned your credit card is now compromised."

Sony has warned that hackers have been able to access a variety of personal information belonging to users including:

1. Name
2. Address (city, state, pin code)
3. Country
4. Email address
5. Date of birth
6. PlayStation Network/Priority password and login
7. Handle/PSN online ID

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