Help power Marketplace this winter when you support the show today. Donate Now!

Sony hacks affect 100 million users

Marketplace Staff May 3, 2011
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Sony hacks affect 100 million users

Marketplace Staff May 3, 2011
HTML EMBED:
COPY

STEVE CHIOTAKIS: Sony today said more personal information from its PlayStation 3 and Online Entertainment networks have been breached, bringing the total number of users affected around the world to more than 100 million.

Chris Green is principal technology analyst for the firm Davies Murphy and he’s with us from London. Hi Chris.

CHRIS GREEN: Hi. Good morning.

CHIOTAKIS: What’s different about this latest breach than what Sony had told us early.

GREEN: This latest breach is slightly different from the original one that made the headlines in that what’s been compromised this time has been old databases and old files Sony had laying around from 2007, rather than the current list of active users at the PlayStation Network.

CHIOTAKIS: Remind us what kind of information we’re talking about here.

GREEN: We’re talking about everything from names, passwords, user names, dates of birth, addresses — all the basic identity information a company would hold on you.

CHIOTAKIS: Is this just about Sony, Chris, or are other tech and video game companies susceptible?

GREEN: This isn’t just a Sony issue. Any major company that’s operating an online service where they have to hold information about you is potentially susceptible to the same risks, the same threats from hackers and people trying to steal information. It’s just that Sony unfortunately has been the latest in a long line of companies to be stung.

CHIOTAKIS: What can consumers do to protect themselves?

GREEN: The important thing to do right now, is to keep an eye on things like your credit card statements and your bank statements to make sure that none of your money is being stolen because people have got hold of your card details. If you did have a credit card registered with the PlayStation Network, it is advisable to cancel that card and have a new one issued.

CHIOTAKIS: Chris Green with Davies Murphy. Chris thanks.

GREEN: No problem.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.