Playstation Network Back Online: Latest Word from Sony PSN

In the wake of the system hack which resulted in the temporary shut down of the Sony playstation network, the company vowed to have the PSN back online by the end of last week. Unfortunately for fans, as of May 9th, the company has apparently fallen short of their intended goal.

While patience may be wearing thin for users of the online gaming service, current and previous customers who had their confidential financial information breached by the hacking have more to worry about.

To ease the concerns of those whose information was accessed, Sony announced that they will provide complimentary enrollment in an identity theft protection program for PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders in the United States.

Debix, Inc., one of the industry’s most reputable identity protection firms, will provide Sony’s customers with AllClear ID Plus at no cost for 12 months. Sony is working to find similar programs for account holders outside of the U.S.

Sony will begin sending out activation emails for this program over the next few days.

More details about the program are included below as released in a statement from Sony on the company web site:

•Cyber monitoring and surveillance of the Internet to detect exposure of an AllClear ID Plus customer’s personal information, including monitoring of criminal web sites and data recovered by law enforcement. If his/her personal information is found, the customer will be alerted by phone and/or email and will be provided advice and support regarding protective steps to take. The customer will also receive monthly identity status reports. Debix works with an alliance of cyber-crime experts from the government, academia and industry to provide these services.

•Priority access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists. If an AllClear ID Plus customer receives an alert, or otherwise suspects that he/she may be the victim of identity theft, the customer can speak directly, on a priority basis, with an on-staff licensed private investigator, who will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. In the case of an identity theft, the customer can work with an identity restoration specialist to contact creditors and others, and take necessary steps to restore the customer’s identity.

•A $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user to provide additional protection in the event that an AllClear ID Plus customer becomes a victim of identity theft. This insurance would provide financial relief of up to $1 million for covered identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages that occur within 12 months after the stolen identity event.