Sony has just revealed that user account on it's PlayStation Network and Qrocity service was compromised by a hacker(s). As a result, Sony has taken the PlayStation network offline and is working to determine exactly what happened.
If you are a Sony PlayStation owner who signed up for the PlayStation Network or Qrocity, the news gets worse. According to Sony, the hacker was able to access a considerable amount of user data, including: your name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qrocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained.
Sony is unsure whether credit card data may have compromised, as well. So if you provided your credit card data to PlayStation Network or Qriocity, Sony is warning "out of an abundance of caution" that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained.
There are two things that should be of serious concern for those affected. First, if you share user names or passwords between your Sony account and other accounts, such as your email, it is imperative that you change them immediately. Hackers are well aware that people commonly reuse passwords and may try to use your Sony password (and security questions as well) to access your email. And, from there, your bank and credit card accounts. If you're having trouble keeping track of multiple accounts, we have tips for managing your passwords.
Second, while there is no evidence yet that credit card information was compromised, you should be on the lookout for unusual charges to you account. If you see anything that looks suspicious, call your credit card company as soon as possible. You should also review our tips for what to do if your identity has been stolen, including contacting the major credit reporting agencies.
