11 May,2011 08:51 AM IST | | Prachi Tyagi
Even as Sony grapples to restore service to its PlayStation Network (PSN) online game system, gaming enthusiasts are dithering in their allegiance to the company.u00a0 In the wake of a third security breach of its PSN, the company is dawdling on proffering a definite date for resumption of services. And the gamersu00a0 -- contending with the knowledge that their personal data may have been compromised -- are making no bones about their grouse.
Down but not out: The company has been hit by three security breaches
"The security for the PlayStation network is weak. It has seen three security breaches in two weeks," said IT expert Vijay Mukhi. "Normally, it should not take more than a couple of days to analyse the extent of damage to a network. If Sony says they couldn't realise the extent of the breach, then it could mean that there is more than one computer in the network under attack. There is also a possibility of multiple viruses. I still do not see how a huge company like Sony could not foresee such an attack and it is taking them an unbelievably long time to get the system back online. Sony can also face legal action from the credit card companies. As a gamer, I wouldn't want to risk my money with Sony again."
Karan Mehta, another member on the PSN, said: "My parents are unwilling to let me use their credit card since they heard about the security breach." Some like Aman Shelke, who resolved to be chary next time, are not deterred enough to give up on the company altogether. "I am a little threatened by the attack and will be careful next time. I am just waiting for it to get back online again, so I can play multi-player games," Shelke said.
The Other Side
Apologising to its users, Howard Stringer, chief executive officer, Sony, said: "I apologise for the inconvenience and concern caused by this attack. We have teams working round-the-clock and around-the-world to restore access to our services as quickly and as safely as possible." However, Shigenori Yoshida, spokesperson for Sony in Japan, said: "Sony is uncertain about when it can resume services. The company is in the process of adopting an improved security system. It plans to restart services fully by month-end."
