Regarding the recent PlayStation Network security breach which saw hackers gain access to 77 million users’ account details, Sony’s communications boss Patrick Seybold has stated that “All of the data was protected, and access was restricted both physically and through the perimeter and security of the network,”<\/p>\n
“The entire credit card table was encrypted and we have no evidence that credit card data was taken.”
Having said all that, Sony can’t be sure that hackers did not gain access to credit card details. “While all credit card information stored in our systems is encrypted and there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility,” said Seybold.<\/p>\n
“If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained. Keep in mind, however that your credit card security code (sometimes called a CVC or CSC number) has not been obtained because we never requested it from anyone who has joined the PlayStation Network or Qriocity, and is therefore not stored anywhere in our system.”<\/p>\n
The fact that users’ CVC numbers are not stored on the PSN should provide comfort to those concerned that hackers could gain access to their funds. <\/p>\n
While it seems like credit card information is safe for now, Sony has confirmed that personal information such as email addresses, passwords, names and addresses have definitely been pilfered.<\/p>\n