PSN Blackout: You Get What You...Pay For

Anonymoose

Keiko wrote: »

I'm done with all Sony products after this. Once my PS3 bites it, that's it. I've owned several of their products, some higher end and never found them to be that reliable. I never received any email warning me about a breach or that my personal info may have been put at risk. Like I said, this is till Sony's pooch and if this is the way they're going to treat their customers, they can kma.

They emailed people who that affected. So no email means no worries for you.

GoBigBlue

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

you sir, have a problem... that stuff is NASTY!

Don't judge. Those are the nights my Polk system gets a real work-out.

digitalvideo

SONY FACES FURY:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/c51f7bf0-70a2-11e0-9b1d-00144feabdc0.html

PhantomOG

Keiko wrote: »

Riiiiight....

actually I did *finally* get an email from them late last night. It is beyond me as to why they didn't just come forward and send out the email right away as soon as they were hacked. Completely and utterly stupid.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Keiko wrote: »

I'm done with all Sony products after this. Once my PS3 bites it, that's it. I've owned several of their products, some higher end and never found them to be that reliable. I never received any email warning me about a breach or that my personal info may have been put at risk. Like I said, this is till Sony's pooch and if this is the way they're going to treat their customers, they can kma.

I gotta say, normally I'm not one to overreact and would typically laugh at someone who makes a statement like that, arguing that its absurd to leave a company over one incident.

However, in this case I'm inclined to agree with you here. The fact that it ever happened is absurd, the fact that it took them so long to tell us about it is inexcusable.

Anonymoose

I'm just gonna go and not purchase anything using my credit card =/

kuntasensei

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/44114/Geohotz-PSN-hack-is-not-cool
Hate to say it, but I totally agree with the guy.

mutelight

So far my card information has not been compromised and I do think Sony screwed up massively.

However, this has nothing to do with PSN being free, it has to do with Sony stirring the hive and angst filled hackers attacking, that combined with sub par security.

Sony undoubtedly made a major oversight in this case, as did MS with the record setting failure rates of Xbox 360 hardware.

ysss

kuntasensei wrote: »

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/44114/Geohotz-PSN-hack-is-not-cool
Hate to say it, but I totally agree with the guy.

+1

The guy is a security expert, pretty much knows Sony first hand, is in the 'in' with the hacker community and had every reason to be a dick against Sony (after his run in) but didn't.

I don't see him list PSN's lack of subscription fees as the sole reason to this breach.

Ace944gs

I also FINALLY got an email last night regarding the possible data breach containing my personal information. I knew I was probably involved in the breach, but that is a long time to wait to confirm.

My biggest problem with SONY all these years has been their terrible attempt at closed systems. There are plenty of companies that do this, but do it well (e.g. Apple). SONY has consistently screwed customers by insisting on custom connectors or software (rootkit, anyone?), and the PSN is another example of this. I'm not exactly sure why I was required to be logged into the PSN to play Netflix, Hulu, or NHL GameCenter apps. Second, although I don't game, and never use the PS3 other than the above apps + DVD/BR player, I was forced to provide a credit card to download the GameCenter app. Clearly, they saved that information somewhere and now I'm paying for it.

I'm probably just ranting here, but I'm pissed that they don't learn from their mistakes, insist on customers using their system, but then don't provide the back-end support that customers require. I'm not upset at closed systems; I'm upset at closed systems that don't offer much benefit to the consumer, and are implemented/protected so poorly the customer ends up worse for the wear.

fatchowmein

When my Xbox 360 gave me the RRoD, MS extended the warranty to 3 years, fixed my unit, and sent it back in 2 weeks (IIRC).

My first PS3 was returned because the internal fans were stuck at full speed so it sounded like a Harrier Jumpjet taking off in the living room. I promptly returned it to the store.

When my 2nd PS3 started to hiccup when attempting to read Blu-rays after I performed an update 1 month past the warranty date (month 13), Sony gave me the bird. Now, this.

I'm done with Sony.

Face

kuntasensei

fatchowmein wrote: »

When my Xbox 360 gave me the RRoD, MS extended the warranty to 3 years, fixed my unit, and sent it back in 2 weeks (IIRC).

My first PS3 was returned because the internal fans were stuck at full speed so it sounded like a Harrier Jumpjet taking off in the living room. I promptly returned it to the store.

When my 2nd PS3 started to hiccup when attempting to read Blu-rays after I performed an update 1 month past the warranty date (month 13), Sony gave me the bird. Now, this.

I'm done with Sony.

I get your point, but as I'm on my 12th 360 since launch (and no, I'm not exaggerating), I can't really ding Sony on their relatively minor hardware issues. :biggrin:

GoBigBlue

kuntasensei wrote: »

I get your point, but as I'm on my 12th 360 since launch (and no, I'm not exaggerating), I can't really ding Sony on their relatively minor hardware issues. :biggrin:

I've bought two PS3s and haven't had a problem with them. Ever. I've gone through so many Xbox 360s I can't count them. It's unfortunate this had to happen to Sony. Still a fan.

fatchowmein

kuntasensei wrote: »

I get your point, but as I'm on my 12th 360 since launch (and no, I'm not exaggerating), I can't really ding Sony on their relatively minor hardware issues. :biggrin:

LOL. Yeah, I remember reading about your 360 challenges. At least you don't have to shell out $180 to get it fixed or I'm hoping you didn't. And, a PS3 that can't read BR disks also cannot read game disks, or at least mine can't, which makes it a major hardware issue. No issues feeding it DVD's.

kuntasensei

fatchowmein wrote: »

LOL. Yeah, I remember reading about your 360 challenges. At least you don't have to shell out $180 to get it fixed or I'm hoping you didn't. And, a PS3 that can't read BR disks also cannot read game disks, or at least mine can't, which makes it a major hardware issue. No issues feeding it DVD's.

No, they covered them all. Since then, I sold two and bought a 360 Slim and it's solid. Never bought a PS3 because I got an Oppo BDP-83 for my Blu-ray needs. If there were ever a Sony exclusive that I cared about though, I'd buy a PS3 just for the hell of it... though I hate the controller with a passion.

Face

ysss wrote: »

I don't see him list PSN's lack of subscription fees as the sole reason to this breach.

They have nothing to do with the breach, as mentioned earlier Sony was targeted for a reason. Even if there was a subscription fee they still would have been hit.

jbooker82

Well every time you use your credit card you are putting the number out there. Doenst matter how you use it.

At restaunts the waiter or waitress could have a portable skimmer in their apron. Swip your card through it on the way to the restraunts cash register.

Using it over the phone. You give the guy the number along with your billing and shipping address.

Places you purchase stuff saves your credit card number. They can be hacked just like the psn.

If you dont want your info out there then I would just use cash. Your info has probably been breached several times. It just didnt go main streem meadia news like the PSN.

Demiurge

Face wrote: »

They have nothing to do with the breach, as mentioned earlier Sony was targeted for a reason. Even if there was a subscription fee they still would have been hit.

All organizations that are targeted by hackers are targeted for a reason. What does that have to do with the fact their their inferior security system/team failed to stop the attack on it's network and their customers?

The only reason this is news is because the hacker's were successful. You don't hear about all of the foiled or unsuccessful attacks. Getting hit doesn't mean squat unless the person(s) gets through and does damage.

Leaving a potential $3.5 billion dollar revenue stream on the table that's directly related to the service that was attacked is just plain dumb business. Whether it would have been or not, it's money that could have been spent to bolster a system that was weak and unstable prior to this failure. It's money that could have been spent to ensure, at the very least, that some needle dick hacker would have a much harder time being successful.

No security system is unable to be penetrated. That doesn't mean you leave your door wide open.

PhantomOG

Demiurge wrote: »

All organizations that are targeted by hackers are targeted for a reason. What does that have to do with the fact their their inferior security system/team failed to stop the attack on it's network and their customers?

The only reason this is news is because the hacker's were successful. You don't hear about all of the foiled or unsuccessful attacks. Getting hit doesn't mean squat unless the person(s) gets through and does damage.

Leaving a potential $3.5 billion dollar revenue stream on the table that's directly related to the service that was attacked is just plain dumb business. Whether it would have been or not, it's money that could have been spent to bolster a system that was weak and unstable prior to this failure. It's money that could have been spent to ensure, at the very least, that some needle dick hacker would have a much harder time being successful.

No security system is unable to be penetrated. That doesn't mean you leave your door wide open.

This $3.5 billion dollar windfall you keep talking about is nothing but BS. You honestly think that if Sony had charged for PSN access from the beginning it would have had NO effect on its hardware and software sales? I for one would have never bought a PS3, or the dozens of PS3 and PSP games on PSN if there had been an access charge. You keep trying to simplify complex things into smaller things that fit into the mold YOU want.

I cannot understand how you fail to see that PSN is NOT free. Just because people are not paying a fee directly designated as an access fee like MS does with Xbox, does not mean the service is free. Its no more free for the user than it is for Sony to run it.

Did Microsoft spend more money on its network infrastructure than Sony? I'm guessing so. Does spending more money on a network infrastructure increase its security? In all likelihood, yes. Does that money specifically have to come from a separate revenue stream that's designated as an access fee? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

If you came into this thread saying Sony screwed up and should have spent more money securing its network, there would not be ONE person disagreeing with you. But you are SOOOO hung up on pissing off some PS3 fanboys who pissed in your Wheaties, you can't see past the end of your nose. I'm still in disbelief that you can't wrap you head around the simple concept that Sony and MS simply chose two different pricing models to pay for their network -- one with fees hidden in costs for hardware/software, and the other with a distinct designated access fee.

jflail2

One thing I haven't seen anyone mention (at least from my skimming) is the fact that the monthly fee is nice and all, but it's really the "micro transactions" for both Sony and Microsoft that make the bankroll. The COD map packs for example are just insane in regards to how many people pick them up at $15 a pop. I know they don't get all the money, but even their cut is a nice chunk.

Long story short, I'm guessing the majority of the profit derived from online console usage are more related to the "nickel and diming" of today's gamers. Want the throw back jerseys for your football team? You can have them for 2.99. Old stadiums in MLB 11? Have at it for 3-5$.

And as an aside, why is no one comparing Nintendo here. They offer online play, as well as a few online apps and all that is free of charge. Granted it's a somewhat different client base, and you don't buy a Wii with online play as your primary objective, but in the end it's still the same idea right? I'm asking b/c I honestly don't know how their "online community" is structured.

Either way, I'm supremely pissed at how Sony has handled this situation. It was like they knew they'd gotten caught cheating and were afraid to go home to the wife or something. It doesn't change anything Sony....you still dropped the ball.

BIZILL

late to the game. what's up 'vryone? i never put my card info on psn. am i safe? yeah, i'm lazy. hook me up.

HTguru1982

Every Sony receiver I've owned had problems or simply died. I went through three PS3's before giving up. Everyone of them had problems overheating and made blu rays unwatchable. Of all the electronic companies out there, I'd have to say Sony is among the worst when it comes to reliability.

With that said, my Sony CRT and dvd player(which has seen a LOT of use) are still going strong. Even my PS2 still works.

I have no bias against Sony. I know a lot of people who own PS3's and haven't had any hardware issues. I own a 360 and it's been a pain in the **** since day one.

kuntasensei

slk55amg

Maybe I am just lucky in regard to Sony products. Everything I have owned as been rock solid, including current gear in my signature. I have a 32 inch XBR purchased in 1994, still has the same picture quality, as the day it was new. I am a " Sony guy", however I am not impressed with the way they have handled this current issue.

Toxis

This thread and topic is beyond lame already. Sure you can't game on the PSN right now... get over it. Spend time working on the house or with your loved ones. Hell, spend more time watching movies and enjoying your Polk speakers. [/topic]

slk55amg

Toxis, is not wrong.................................................

ysss

Face wrote: »

They have nothing to do with the breach, as mentioned earlier Sony was targeted for a reason. Even if there was a subscription fee they still would have been hit.

Uh, that was exactly my point?

Face

Just a rephrase, that's all.


And the best news of all: http://www.redmondpie.com/database-containing-2.2-million-psn-credit-cards-up-for-sale/

Toxis

http://technology.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979278206

Now classified as an act of terrorism. Let's see how long it takes to catch the hackers now...