Sony Confirms Massive Data Breach Affects 77M Users

Sony on Tuesday admitted that a hacker has successfully infiltrated its PlayStation Network (PSN) online gaming platform and obtained customer data, including credit card information.

Nearly 77 million people around the world have PlayStation Network accounts, which are used in conjunction with Sony's popular PlayStation 3 video game console. PSN allows gamers to download movies, chat with friends, and play games with PlayStation gamers through an Internet connection.

PlayStation Network Hack Made Between April 17, 19

Sony says it will inform all of its PlayStation Network customers that their personal information, including names, addresses, birthdays, and account data -- may have been accessed by an "unauthorized person" sometime between April 17 and 19. (Source: computerworld.com)

In a recent statement, Sony said that "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."

It's still unclear how much damage has been done, including just how many accounts were infiltrated, exactly what information might have been stolen, or if credit cards have been charged. For now, all 77 million PlayStation network accounts are left in limbo while the gaming network remains offline. (Source: computerworld.com)

Sony Currently Investigating Situation

One analyst says that gamers shouldn't be worried about credit card charges through the hack. "No one's losing money," said Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst, Michael Pachter, who says that U.S. law protects customers from this kind of theft. (Source: wsj.com)

More answers on the hack could come soon, as Sony has announced that it recently hired a security firm to investigate the breach.

It's estimated that gamers spend an average of eight hours per week gaming online -- an increase of 10 per cent from 2009 to 2010. (Source: npd.com)