Will PlayStation Network Users Let Sony Off Easy?

It has now been roughly two and a half weeks since I fired up my PlayStation 3 and saw a dreaded message, "You have been disconnected from the network." I immediately ran to my computer to look up the error code and find out why I couldn't connect to my online world. I have been a member of the PlayStation Network for years, and this was my first experience with disconnect. "We apologize, but our servers are down for maintenance."

Later, it was divulged that during April 17, 2011 through April 19, 2011 perhaps the greatest hack of all time occurred affecting roughly 77 million users worldwide. Old information, I know, but the sting of finding out in a mass e-mail that all of my information could have been compromised is still in the front of my mind every day. I made a frantic attempt to change passwords on all of my accounts. I already employ a method of keeping different passwords on multiple sites as "added security." So, these hackers got everything of mine. Completely exposed and at risk is my personal information, my credit card information, and even information about my kids. How would I ever explain this to my wife?

One part of the e-mail that was sent to all PlayStation Network Users really rubbed me the wrong way. This was a breach of Sony's servers, it was Sony's fault that proper measures had not been put in place to protect the data of the users, but there it was in the few last sentences, "To protect against possible identity theft or other financial loss, we encourage you to remain vigilant, to review your account statements and to monitor your credit reports." So if I understand this correctly, even though this breach was Sony's fault and Sony's responsibility, the 77 million affected users are just supposed to figure this out for themselves? We are on our own? Sony provided the names and phone numbers of all three major credit bureaus, well thanks for that.

The latest news states that Sony is going to compensate users by giving a free year of credit monitoring service, a free month of PlayStation Plus service, and additional free downloads. While the effort is appreciated, it is not nearly enough. Users trusted Sony with their private information, and the lack of security enabled hackers to access that data. All 77 million users worldwide are at risk of identity theft due to this breach, and Sony should pick up the tab for credit monitoring services for all the users for at least the next two years. They should also establish a call center to field calls to help the affected users learn how to protect themselves and their families from possible identity theft.

Like myself, I know most users will be extremely happy when the network is restored. I just hope the users aren't so happy that they let Sony off too easy. For those users who are at risk to lose their financial livelihoods, don't just settle for the first offer Sony throws at you. I also hope Washington continues to investigate the cause of this breach and keeps a close eye on Sony in the future.

Source: Quote from Sony's April 30, 2011 Press Release - http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=2185