Sony Offers "Sincerest Apologies" for PSN Attack

[emh204]

So when is it okay to laugh about this whole incident?

 

[JDKJ]

Oh look, the hackers didn't break in using a jailbroken PS3. How unsurprising.

So, where have all the people blaming this on Geohot's CFW gone, pray tell?

Well let me see, first they were on conspiracy forum websites saying that 9/11 was an inside job. Then they went on to political forums to question the truth of Obama's birth place. Then they came here to ***** about Geohot. Hopefully they have now gone to Libya to stick up for Colonel Gaddafi.

I saw a bunch of 'em over at the Sierra Club's forums saying that BP deliberately leaked all that oil into the Gulf to drive gas prices up. I can't say if that's true or not, but if it is true, then it worked liked a charm.

 

[mikev7.0]

And that's reason to accept the apology. In the Japanese culture that right there is the ultimate apology.

Yeah it takes a big company to get each and every one of their 77 million online users' information compromised and then throw three executives out to give a staged apology. I'm sure when people start having their identities stolen and their credit cards used fraudulently that little bow there is going to make it all better.

If Sony was actually sorry they wouldn't have waited a week and a half to apologize. They wouldn't have waited a week to tell the customers their information was potentially compromised. That little press conference they had to "apologize" was nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt.

I have to agree with this. I understand what this means in Japan but scapegoating even when (&*^ is "getting real" is nothing new. It's no excuse for not having the proper measures taken to begin with, it's no excuse for not telling your customers what's happening immediately, and essentially giving those affected something that ensures they remain your customer (and have to be foolish enough to trust you with the same sensitive data AGAIN) is not a reparaition, it's practically a scam and it IS an insult to people's intelligence. The worst part of this isn't that they think we'll be dumb enough to buy it, no, the worst part is that according to a lot of posts here some people actually ARE. I guess in that case you deserve what you get. When the XBL folks that lost my profile asked for my credit card info all they got in return was peals of laughter. I'm not saying anyone else is any better here I'm saying that when it comes to information that you personally feel is too sensitive, trust NONE of them. They all suck at keeping customers information safe, it's just not a priority for them. Tricking you into giving them your money and information IS, and let's face it that's a full time job and requires "top talent."

Did it bother anyone else that SONY a company that has oft touted themselves as the future of networked computer entertainment and community had to call in a different computer company not to fix it, but just to figure out what happened?? I for one would prefer they not bow so low since, y'know accidents DO happen (apparently) and they spend enough time with their heads in that general area anyway.

 

[The .50 Caliber Cow]

This isn't going to stop 1/3 of your userbase from leaving Sony.

Your apology isn't going to fix this :/

Oh, so you would rather they hadn't said anything at all?

Maybe. It's not like it makes a difference either way so what do I care?

To be fair if they didn't people would ***** that. "They didn't even apologize!"

Given the situation, people aren't going to stop bitching about anything Sony does for the next year. If they wrap this up with the speed that BP wrapped up the Gulf spill; Sony will remain a symbol of total security failure throughout the decade.

An apology is nice but results are what people really care about.

Okay...

Spoiler: See this?

This basically says that no jailbroken PS3 consoles were involved in the hack, access was gained through a security hole in the network itself. So people, please, let the entire GeoHot debacle rest in peace, no matter where your loyalties may lie.

Also, I think people need to understand that this in all likelyhood was an attack commited by a serious "cyber-criminal" (*cringe*) organisation, rather than the stereotype "bored hacker" who wanted to ruin everyone's fun.

That's what happened. Groups like those are like Romulans. Once they sense weakness, they strike with overwhelming strength.

 

[JDKJ]

And that's reason to accept the apology. In the Japanese culture that right there is the ultimate apology.

Yeah it takes a big company to get each and every one of their 77 million online users' information compromised and then throw three executives out to give a staged apology. I'm sure when people start having their identities stolen and their credit cards used fraudulently that little bow there is going to make it all better.

If Sony was actually sorry they wouldn't have waited a week and a half to apologize. They wouldn't have waited a week to tell the customers their information was potentially compromised. That little press conference they had to "apologize" was nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt.

I have to agree with this. I understand what this means in Japan but scapegoating even when (&*^ is "getting real" is nothing new. It's no excuse for not having the proper measures taken to begin with, it's no excuse for not telling your customers what's happening immediately, and essentially giving those affected something that ensures they remain your customer (and have to be foolish enough to trust you with the same sensitive data AGAIN) is not a reparaition, it's practically a scam and it IS an insult to people's intelligence. The worst part of this isn't that they think we'll be dumb enough to buy it, no, the worst part is that according to a lot of posts here some people actually ARE. I guess in that case you deserve what you get. When the XBL folks that lost my profile asked for my credit card info all they got in return was peals of laughter. I'm not saying anyone else is any better here I'm saying that when it comes to information that you personally feel is too sensitive, trust NONE of them. They all suck at keeping customers information safe, it's just not a priority for them. Tricking you into giving them your money and information IS, and let's face it that's a full time job and requires "top talent."

Did it bother anyone else that SONY a company that has oft touted themselves as the future of networked computer entertainment and community had to call in a different computer company not to fix it, but just to figure out what happened?? I for one would prefer they not bow so low since, y'know accidents DO happen (apparently) and they spend enough time with their heads in that general area anyway.

Not really. It's standard corporate operating procedure to call in an independent forensic analyst in times like this. Two reasons: (1) the culprit could be internal and, therefore, all internal employees are suspect and (2) they want to minimize their own liability by having someone else on the hook for figuring out what went wrong.

 

[Dr. Crawver]

doesn't really mean much now

 

[mikev7.0]

This article is in serious need of that picture: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-exec-bows-deeply-in-apology-for-security-breach-2011-5

Wow... shit just got real.

And that's reason to accept the apology. In the Japanese culture that right there is the ultimate apology. If you think they look bad here imagine how they look in japan.

Yeah i know. I do know a little bit about japanese culture, but yeah they do seem to be genuine here.

Well of COURSE it's genuine! Cuz y'know they're from Japan an' oh Lookit Lookit!! They're bowing and STUFF!! Wow we're "gettin' real" now cuz'!

*facepalmxpi*

Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Can we just have a think for your damned self moment here?? What's next? Are people going to run out and start legal defense funds for huge corporations??

Gee-BUS!!

 

[Sliverwings]

An apology will have to do... *sigh*

 

[JDKJ]

This article is in serious need of that picture: http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-exec-bows-deeply-in-apology-for-security-breach-2011-5

Wow... shit just got real.

And that's reason to accept the apology. In the Japanese culture that right there is the ultimate apology. If you think they look bad here imagine how they look in japan.

Yeah i know. I do know a little bit about japanese culture, but yeah they do seem to be genuine here.

Well of COURSE it's genuine! Cuz y'know they're from Japan an' oh Lookit Lookit!! They're bowing and STUFF!! Wow we're "gettin' real" now cuz'!

*facepalmxpi*

Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Can we just have a think for your damned self moment here?? What's next? Are people going to run out and start legal defense funds for huge corporations??

Gee-BUS!!

Did you give your money to the EgoHot Legal Defense Fund? If you did, maybe you'd have been better off buying a couple shares of Sony's stock. At least you'd have been backing the guy who was willing to go all the way. Not the one willing to take your money and then bail out two weeks later. Besides, the stock price's been running at a historical low. Coulda been a good investment. Ya gotta buy low and sell high.

 

[TheDarkestDerp]

Being hacked wasn't the issue in my camp, that I can be understanding of. I appreciate the strength of this gesture by SONY as it applies to the Japanese culture and so on and so forth. This also doen't really excuse much for me either. Saying 'sory' and bowing, no matter how 'big a gesture' it is in their culture, it still pales in comparison to just fixing the problem or giving recompense to any injured parties, should there be any.

Seriously though, my main problem is that it happened about a full TEN days before I was informed some jagoff might be out there getting a credit card in my name and ruining my financial life.

 

[Choppaduel]

"sincerest apologies".... That's it?

Uh-huh, you probably don't know anything about the Asian honor system. Something like this is life ruining, hell the execs probably just brought mountains of shame upon their family names.

Insufficient. Words are meaningless and forgettable.

Seriously, what is with some of you people?! What, does someone cut you off in traffic and all you want to do is smash up their cars? Sony did the best they could under the circumstances (which for Sony wasn't very good) but they're getting the PSN back up. Yes, they were hacked, and it was foolish of them, I'm pretty sure this whole PR nightmare they have on their hands right now is punishment enough than you people getting on their cases for the smallest damn thing!

You seem to think I want revenge or something. I just want the corporate equivalent of an apology card & some chocolates. Something inexpensive, but a tangible reminder or their willingness to make it up. Maybe, in Japan a formal apology is meaningful, but its not in North America and as such mere words aren't going to win back American consumers.

 

[JDKJ]

"sincerest apologies".... That's it?

Uh-huh, you probably don't know anything about the Asian honor system. Something like this is life ruining, hell the execs probably just brought mountains of shame upon their family names.

Insufficient. Words are meaningless and forgettable.

Seriously, what is with some of you people?! What, does someone cut you off in traffic and all you want to do is smash up their cars? Sony did the best they could under the circumstances (which for Sony wasn't very good) but they're getting the PSN back up. Yes, they were hacked, and it was foolish of them, I'm pretty sure this whole PR nightmare they have on their hands right now is punishment enough than you people getting on their cases for the smallest damn thing!

You seem to think I want revenge or something. I just want the corporate equivalent of an apology card & some chocolates. Something inexpensive, but a tangible reminder or their willingness to make it up. Maybe, in Japan a formal apology is meaningful, but its not in North America and as such mere words aren't going to win back American consumers.

I like those Whitman's Samplers. That's what I want. They got that picture guide on the inside of the lid that lets you know what kinda chocolate's in the tray. That way, I don't have to squeeze them to figure out the ones that have nuts inside and, if they do, put them back in the tray for someone else to eat. I hate the ones with nuts.

 

[BilboB2]

The real question here is why the sensationalist "Hackers Sell PSN Info" story is up in the important articles section of the main page, while this one is left to stew in the News Feed further down the page. Wouldn't it be better to let everyone know that Sony made an official apology and offer of free stuff instead of giving us the (hopefully) false impression that our credit is completely screwed? It may just be my bias, but couldn't they at least change that title to something like:

"There's a slim chance that someone may have tried to sell your credit information on a underground hacker forum, even though there is no actual confirmation of such a transaction taking place other than one thread on the most unoriginally named underground hacker forum in the world."

You may have to slim it down a bit to fit the apparent character limit for the headline, though.

 

[jthm]

Failure on a massive level. Sincerest apologies? Japanese business leaders used to know how to properly apologize. With a sharp knife, a quick poke in the gut and then a long drag across the torso.

 

[JDKJ]

The real question here is why the sensationalist "Hackers Sell PSN Info" story is up in the important articles section of the main page, while this one is left to stew in the News Feed further down the page. Wouldn't it be better to let everyone know that Sony made an official apology and offer of free stuff instead of giving us the (hopefully) false impression that our credit is completely screwed? It may just be my bias, but couldn't they at least change that title to something like:

"There's a slim chance that someone may have tried to sell your credit information on a underground hacker forum, even though there is no actual confirmation of such a transaction taking place other than one thread on the most unoriginally named underground hacker forum in the world."

You may have to slim it down a bit to fit the apparent character limit for the headline, though.

There was a time, before the advent of the 24-hour cable news channel and the internet news blog, that journalist wouldn't run with a story until after they had confirmed it with at least three reliable sources. Nowadays, you're likely to get "Osama bin Laden has been killed in Pakistan! Or he may have just been wounded in Afghanistan. Or he may be chilling out in the Dominican Republic at the Boca Chica Spa and Resort, drinking a mojito on the beach. Who knows? We certainly don't. But that won't stop us from reporting the news."

 

[Low Key]

in b4 "Anonymous did it!" without reading the article.




Now, what will you do if/when credit cards that were "stolen" start being used?

Dispute the charges, get the card replaced, and put a fraud alert on your accounts.

I would also get your credit reports checked. It's free as a US citizen at annualcreditreport.com once a year.

Are you employed by Sony or are you just copying and pasting their press releases?

Bro, that is what YOU need to be doing. Be a little more proactive about your personal finances. Sony isn't going to talk to your bank for you, even if this whole mess is their fault.

Bro? I thought you had gone out drinking tonight and when did you... oh wait your not him..

Anywhooooooo... If Sony talked to my bank for me I would be rather confused as I don't own a Sony product. I was merely stating the similarity between what someone had posted and what the official statement coming from Sony was.

However as we already decided to travel down the road, it would be a shame to not enjoy the views while we are here sooo. If I did own a PS3 and just had my details taken, do you know how big a fuck I'd give right now? None, if I've been hit I've been hit by now. Everyone know whats happend and no-one will be stupid enough to use those cards anymore, not with the FBI etc involved. Using a credit card from the "Sony stockpile" will be like firing off a flaregun while shouting out of microphone. "Over here guys. Please come and throw me in jail! There's something soooo appealing about having an ass like a clowns pocket."

Nevertheless, I would expect people to have taken out the basic precautions to say the least, safe than sorry yada yada yada.

If you don't tell your bank your card is stolen, they won't be able to catch whomever is responsible BRO. Your bank doesn't go through everyone's financial information to see who bought something through Sony and who didn't.

 

[awesome_ninja]

It's been about time Sony... that adds another point to my "Never use consoles" list ...

 

[BehattedWanderer]

I'll accept, as long as my account isn't robbed. I love you Sony. Don't hurt me like this.

 

[RDubayoo]

Hm. Maybe I was wrong when this story first broke out. This attack would require someone with actual skill and intelligence rather than a script and a chip on your shoulder, so maybe that rules out Anonymous after all.

 

[justnotcricket]

Permalink

Great PR move, honestly. And a hard one for a lot of hard-working folks to make. The technicians know it's not their fault, and they know this is making them look bad... but the company at large knows they can't convince the irrational public of this, because the hackers don't have any faces to hate (yet).

So they throw themselves under the bus, and offer an unqualified apology accepting the "blame," just to get things back on track. Swallowing the pride and getting down to business. Kudos to Sony. I don't own any Sony consoles or products, but this gives me some real respect for them.

I just wish they didn't have to do this. It'd be nice if they could just say, "Look. We got hacked. It's the hackers' fault. We're going to try to fix it going forward, but quit blaming us. Seriously, it's like blaming a guy whose house got robbed because he happened to be borrowing your lawnmower at the time."

This. I wish they could hold the hackers up for people to more justifiably direct their bile at. Hating on Sony has become a rather ugly fashion lately amongst the gaming community. I'm no happier than anyone else that my data might have been stolen, but you change your credit card and move on with your life, wiser and perhaps slightly warier of online purchasing.

Until demonstrated otherwise, I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and assume that Sony wasn't criminally negligent with their security - after all, it's not in their interests *at all* to skimp on that area as the current influx of disfavour/lawsuits/etc shows.

I wish people would remember that 'Sony' isn't just a company who could improve their customer service (what company couldn't?) or takes away OtherOS from PS3s or whatever anyway. Even if they were negligent, that's only one part of a huge company, and the people who want Sony to go under seem to be forgetting that a crapton of people who work in everything from marketing to manufacture could lose their jobs. I would hate to see a good company (or a portion of it that I happen to enjoy using)go under for one mistake that they would be damn sure to rectify. They'll have to suffer while people learn to trust them again anyway.

Call me too forgiving, but it's not like Sony is famous for having chronic security problems. I would just like it if those who were *actually* at fault; the hackers and, if negligence occured, the people who were responsible for the security, could be punished appropriately, instead of 'Sony' at large.