News: Sony Announces "Welcome Back" Appreciation Program

In the latest press release of Sony with regard to the PSN fiasco, Sony has announced that they will be implementing a complimentary offering and a "Welcome Back" appreciation program for the millions of registered PSN users affected by the service outage and information leak. Other updates were also provided. Will you accept this make-good offering of Sony? Read ahead for more details.

Sony promises its PSN users the "Welcome Back" appreciation program, wherein PSN clients will be entitled to the following freebies:

• Selected free content for download on the PSN store depending on the territory.
• All existing PSN customers will be provided 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members will be provided with 30 days free service.
• Music Unlimited subscribers will be provided 30 days free service.

Additional "welcome back" services will be rolled out in the coming weeks as the PSN and Qriocity services return.

In addition to these freebies, Sony will be implementing also a complimentary offering, which aims to assist existing PSN users in enrolling to identity theft protection or similar programs. Implementation will be on a local level, and further information will be provided in the coming days for each region.

According to the press release, restoration of the PSN and Qriocity services will be on a phased rollout. In the initial phase, the following services will be restored:

• Restoration of online gameplay
• Access to Music Unlimited
• Access to account management and password reset
• Access to unexpired movie rentals
• PlayStation Home
• Friends List
• Chat Functionality

Sony also reassured its clients that they are taking steps in bolstering the security of its systems. These include:

• Sony announced that they are working with outside security firms to implement security measures.
• Creation of the position of Chief Information Security Officer, directly reporting to Sony Corporation's Chief Information Officer, Shinji Hasejima, to add a position of expertise and accountability.
• Added automated software monitoring and configuration management.
• Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption.
• Enhanced levels of detection for intrusions, unauthorized access and unusual patterns.
• Additional firewalls.

Lastly, SNEI (Sony Network Entertainment Inc.,) will continue to reinforce and verify the security of the transactions before resuming PlayStation Store, and other Qriocity operations within the month.

To view the full press release, click here.