Reports are circulating the internet that Amazon’s servers were used to take down the Playstation Network. As the PSN comes back online today the postmortem continues, with the finger being pointed at Amazon.
Bloomberg quote a source in the know and suggest that the server was rented from Amazon under an assumed name and used to launch the denial of service (DoS) attacks that brought the entire network to its knees.
Amazon didn’t release a denial so the story might have some legs, though they did however decline to comment on the source’s claims when asked by Bloomberg. There’s currently no word on whether or not the legal officials involved will be able to trace the culprit through the service or not.
SCEA’s Patrick Seybold told Bloomberg that since the investigation into the hacking of PSN was still ongoing, it “will not comment further on this matter.”
Meanwhile, Sony finally got the system restored over the weekend, although they are suffering massive traffic levels with so many users still stuggling to connect to the network, so it may take a while before the whole network is running smoothly for everyone.
Sony’s SVP of publisher relations, Rob Dyer, “We are working around the clock to restore service, but will do so only when we can ensure that the network can operate safely and securely,” he wrote. “In the meantime, we greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill.”
Mr Dyer is also happy to state that the new measures taken to sure up the network are the best available, and the company is confident that its “consumer data will be protected by some of the best security measures available today.”
“As a valued partner we aim to keep the lines of communication open so that you are aware of our progress,” he said in closing. “Our focus has been to confirm the security of the networks, protect customer data and get the services back on line as quickly as possible. We will do our best to respond to all of your inquiries and we will do everything we possibly can to support you.”
“We are doing everything we can to bring these services back online as soon as possible. We will update you with more information as soon as we can, but please call your account executive if you have further questions. We thank you for your patience and look forward to moving ahead together in the months and years to come.”
In order to get your Playstation working again you will need to add a new layer of security, here’s a run down of what you need to do:-A Firmware Update has been released, taking PS3′s software to 3.61, and is a mandatory install.
If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN. This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.
We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online. The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure. Thank you for your continued support and patience.
In an update on the PlayStation Blog, communications head Nick Caplin has confirmed the company is experiencing email bounce backs from many major ISPs flooded with massive numbers of password reset emails sent out by Sony.
Players awaiting password reset emails are advised to be patient while Sony attempt to resolve this issue