Sony Claims It Can Fix PS3 Security Problems

[Logan Westbrook]

Sony Claims It Can Fix PS3 Security Problems

There's more network updates in store for PS3 owners as Sony's battle against hackers and pirates rages on.

Despite a proverbial double tap of bad news over the last few days, Sony has denied claims that the security for the PS3 is irrevocably compromised. In a short statement, the company said it was aware of the issues on the console, and was working on a solution.

At the very tail end of last year, a hacking group called Fail0verflow gave a presentation [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/106511-Hacker-Group-Gives-Video-Tour-of-PS3-Security-System] which explained in great detail the various security measures that Sony had implemented on the PS3, and how the group had been able to circumvent them all. Just days later, iPhone cracker George Hotz posted [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/106609-Notorious-iPhone-Hacker-Posts-PS3-Master-Key-Online] the root key for the console online, meaning that people could sign their homebrew software - or pirated games - and convince the PS3 that it was all authentic and official.

Speaking to the BBC [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12116051], Fail0verflow said that there was nothing that Sony could do about the PS3 security leaks except release new hardware. Sony, on the other hand, had a very different take on the situation, claiming that it could fix the problems with network updates. The company said it was unable to provide any further details, however, as it didn't want to discuss security issues.

Some hackers are actively trying to prevent [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/106706-First-Custom-PS3-Firmware-Hack-Prevents-Piracy] anyone using their tools to pirate games, but others aren't quite so conscientious. While you can't blame Sony for wanting to get the holes in its security patched up, it's a shame that it's going to be the everyday users - those who didn't do anything wrong - who suffer.

Source: Edge [http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sony-responds-to-ps3-hacks]



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[SovietSecrets]

Even if its patched, hackers are just going to continue hacking it. Never ending battle here.

 

[LeonLethality]

Go Sony, even if you can never make a permanent fix to hackers, I'm glad your putting an effort in.

 

[Misho-]

Yeah I'm pretty glad as well. I might not understand the full scope of the situation here but as long as we (the guys who buy non-pirated games for the PS3) don't suffer, everything will be ok.

 

[Irridium]

I know how to fix it all as well.

Put back in the "other OS" feature. Since, you know, thats what all the hackers were playing with in the first place.

Again, all this is happening because Sony removed the Other OS feature.

Hilarious.

 

[Croaker42]

Just remember its not the hackers that are puting the restrictive security and higherprices in play. Its Sony and its lack of creative problem solving.
I am not saying I have any bright ideas on the subject. But I don't think hitting an entire user base with a really big stick is a good plan. Sure most of those users will take it but over time, and with many sticks, I think it would be a issue.

 

[SaintWaldo]

Let's unpack:

There {is} more network updates in store for PS3 owners as Sony's battle against hackers and pirates rages on.

Twitch.

On topic:

If this plays out like homebrew on the PSP, access to full cpu/gpu access will (eventually) be crippled by a combination of the community and Sony updates, but there is still enough there to play with to give budding programmers some fun and fairly easy to access to a platform they wouldn't normally have. If that comes to pass, I'm plan to turn one of my PS3s into a homebrew machine. Wagic on my TV in HD? YES PLEASE!

 

[archvile93]

I hope this doesn't turn out like Critcal Miss predicted it would, as hilarious as that would be.

 

[Jumplion]

Even if its patched, hackers are just going to continue hacking it. Never ending battle here.

To paraphrase someone earlier on the subject;

"That doesn't mean they should bend over and get fucked."

Just remember its not the hackers that are puting the restrictive security and higherprices in play. Its Sony and its lack of creative problem solving.
I am not saying I have any bright ideas on the subject. But I don't think hitting an entire user base with a really big stick is a good plan. Sure most of those users will take it but over time, and with many sticks, I think it would be a issue.

That's the problem, it's a circular paradox where nobody wins in the end. You've got the pirates that Sony is worried about, so they put out a simple update to stop them in their tracks. Then the pirates circumvent that, and Sony have to respond, then the pirates find a way around that, and Sony have to respond again, etc... etc... And in the middle of all this are the legitimate buyers that get screwed either way when Sony overreacts to preventing pirates, and when pirates continue screwing with Sony.

In short, this all sucks.

 

[Danpascooch]

I know how to fix it all as well.

Put back in the "other OS" feature. Since, you know, thats what all the hackers were playing with in the first place.

Again, all this is happening because Sony removed the Other OS feature.

Hilarious.

I knew they'd pay from ripping a feature off of already sold consoles

 

[DrunkWithPower]

If Sony sneaks in some goodies for everyone like cross game chat and the ability to play music while in game I'll let them update my system all day.

 

[mjc0961]

Translation: "We learned nothing from the PSP and we have just brought in a shiny new brick wall for us to bang our heads against."

Also, so much for any thoughts people had about Sony working with the hackers. Of course they won't, they're Sony.

Even if its patched, hackers are just going to continue hacking it. Never ending battle here.

To paraphrase someone earlier on the subject;

"That doesn't mean they should bend over and get fucked."

True, but all they are really doing is hanging a sign on their ass that says "Pretty please don't fuck me, I'm delicate." Seriously, Sony's failure here is mind boggling. They had the tools in place to keep the system free and clear of this stuff. Then one day they decide "You know what would make things more secure? Removing the one thing that lets hackers play around with the hardware without having to crack our platform." So they do it and surprise surprise, they get cracked. And the solution to fix it is staring them right in the face (put "Install Other OS" back in), so what does Sony do? Why the same stupid thing that didn't protect the PSP at all, constantly try to patch holes with firmware updates. And these firmware updates don't even add anything new, it's just a quick plaster job and nothing more, which means no PS3 owner who wants a cracked console for any reason (be it piracy or homebrew) has an incentive to update. Throw in a feature or two people want and suddenly they have to decide if waiting for the homebrew community to make said new features is worth it. But nope, right now they just say "Yeah I'm not going to download this update."

I take back what I said earlier: The sign Sony hung on their ass says "INSERT DICK HERE" with a giant arrow pointing at their bunghole.

 

[honestdiscussioner]

Can we at least ensure that people don't cheat in online multiplayer? Used to piss me off when people would cheat and give themselves nothing but unblockable finishing moves in wrestling games.

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

Hackers will keep hacking, but that's what keeps anti-piracy people employed. At least Sony has been cracking down on piracy. I'm looking at you Nintendo.

 

[microhive]

Well, I'm going to assume that, if Fail0verflow is correct, Sony is screwed. One down, two to go.

 

[Jumplion]

True, but all they are really doing is hanging a sign on their ass that says "Pretty please don't fuck me, I'm delicate." Seriously, Sony's failure here is mind boggling. They had the tools in place to keep the system free and clear of this stuff. Then one day they decide "You know what would make things more secure? Removing the one thing that lets hackers play around with the hardware without having to crack our platform." So they do it and surprise surprise, they get cracked.

Um...wouldn't it? I mean, that's already assuming that the PS3 wasn't clear from that stuff, so I'd understand their thinking that removing a feature that makes it easy for them to go around doing that stuff

And the solution to fix it is staring them right in the face (put "Install Other OS" back in), so what does Sony do? Why the same stupid thing that didn't protect the PSP at all, constantly try to patch holes with firmware updates.

I highly, highly doubt that this would all be fixed just by putting the "Install Other OS" feature back simply because pirates (because, let's face it, that's who we're talking about here) will just pirate regardless.

Also, on the PSP, I remember hearing that Sony had actually fixed the issue with it and now only a really early firmware version of the PSP will allow homebrew. Take that with a grain of salt as I have no idea if that's true.

So, in short, this still sucks. It's a lose-lose situation for everybody.

 

[LeonLethality]

I know how to fix it all as well.

Put back in the "other OS" feature. Since, you know, thats what all the hackers were playing with in the first place.

Again, all this is happening because Sony removed the Other OS feature.

Hilarious.

This is all happening because people want free games.

 

[Sniper Team 4]

Stupid hackers.

 

[icyneesan]

If Sony sneaks in some goodies for everyone like cross game chat and the ability to play music while in game I'll let them update my system all day.

How the hell are you gonna enjoy those features if Sony is updating your system 24/7

Stupid hackers.

Well a group of people were able to crack security on a 'uncrackable' piece of hardware. Seems like they're pretty smart to me.