The Great 2011 PSN Outage Megathread *Post 1 updated*

johnny_ultimate

What's Going On: The Playstation Network has been down since Wednesday the 20th April. It will be back up 'soon'.

Why's it down? Hard to say, bar the official confirmation that PSN has somehow been compromised by 'external' sources. The most consistent speculation (and that's all it is) is that some individuals may have been using custom firmware to gain access to free content and potentially more damaging activity like data theft or deletion. It's supposedly not the same thing as the Denial of Service attack of a few weeks ago which also brought it down. Currently, it seems they're testing out new security measures.

What's certain: Very little, barring that there was some external intrusion and some data theft.

What's uncertain: An awful lot still. No definite date of service renewal.

Is there a risk personal data such as credit card details have been stolen? Yes. It's been confirmed some personal data has been compromised - potentially things like name, address, email account and PSN login / password details. Sony have also admitted credit card data may have been compromised.

What to do: It's strongly advised that you change the password to the email associated with your PSN if it's the same password as your PSN one. Similarly with any sites with which you share a PSN password. For credit card details, it's hard to say. Some have cancelled their cards, but personally I'd simply recommend extra vigilance on your statement over the coming weeks, or until there's an official announcement.

Anything else?: You'll be getting two free PS3 and PSP games out of a selection of five when its back up. Also a month free PSN Plus.

NUTZZ

Tried logging on earlier and greeted with an error message!

If you’ve tried to log in to the Sony PlayStation Network today, you might have been rejected. Don’t worry - you’re not alone.

The official Sony “AskPlayStation” Twitter page confirmed that PSN is undergoing maintenenace, so it will be difficult to access the service throughout the day. (Supposedly the problem stems from an attack by a hacker group, but Sony hasn’t confirmed anything in that regard.)

Difficult, but not impossible. I tested logging into PSN via PlayStation 3 around 1:00PM ET this afternoon. I went through about five minutes of repeated error messages before I was able to successfully login. Fortunately, to play DVDs, Blu-ray discs and games (on discs), this shouldn’t propose any problems for PS3 users.

However, if you want to access online games or other services like Netflix, you’ll need to login into PS3 first before you can watch anything instantly.

Link

Had only just turned it on dying for a game of COD:(

Varik

I've been on for an hour or 2 just there and there's a lot of people on my friends list who are playing very happily right now including some for the boards night.

NUTZZ

Tell me about it, hadn't played Fifa in ages and was dying to play it tonight!!

NUTZZ

Varik wrote: »

I've been on for an hour or 2 just there and there's a lot of people on my friends list who are playing very happily right now including some for the boards night.

Maybe you were logged in before the maintenance

F1ngers

NUTZZ wrote: »

Maybe you were logged in before the maintenance

If you're in before the maintenance all is good.
I was in, changed game and now I'm out..

super_furry

Ahhh so that's the problem. Well likes like Anonymous haven't wasted any time.

F1ngers

It's back.
Just logged back in.

eddhorse

Surprised there wasnt another update :O

Glico Man

Still can't sign in... will be another day before I play online with ye

Suspiria79

Had no problems here. Was playing uncharted 2 online all night. Stayed away from Call of Duty though cos playing that online is a load of ****e. Can't work out what the big deal about it is.

Stuxnet

it wasn't maintenance as their twitter stated, sony showing their respect for customers again with more lies !

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=71517038

http://psgroove.com/content.php?960-Anonymous-Hacking-Group-Wages-War-on-Sony

WolfForager

iPwnage wrote: »

it wasn't maintenance as their twitter stated, sony showing their respect for customers again with more lies !

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=71517038

http://psgroove.com/content.php?960-Anonymous-Hacking-Group-Wages-War-on-Sony

O get over yourself. Really, who gives a flying **** why it's down? It's down and that's that. Why give some group of bored cowardly teenagers the satisfaction of public acknowledgment?

Myrddin

WolfForager wrote: »

O get over yourself. Really, who gives a flying **** why it's down? It's down and that's that. Why give some group of bored cowardly teenagers the satisfaction of public acknowledgment?

I listened to their message, & tbh, I won't lose any sleep over it.

Do yo not think its over the top suing Graf for €1,000,000 for installing Linux on his PS3 & telling others how to. You can do it on a pc, why not a PS3?

This has been coming a long time, Sony are adept at turning people against the so called 'hackers' of the console. But there is a point to all this, the message is about being able to install what you want on your own console. If you disagree with that then fair dues, thats your opinion. I agree with it, I think if you buy & own something you should be able to do whatever the hell yo want to it (within reason, & PSN is a different point. I agree with keeping modded consoles off legitimate multiplayer gaming networks).

Yet today, if Sony gets their way, it would be illegal for me to install a freeware OS such as Linux on my PS3 & keep it off the network. By suing Hotz & Graf, they've pee'd off the wrong people here (watch the PR battle begin). And if you think these chaps are a group of spotty teenagers in their bedrooms, your sorely underestimating them.

The ends never justify the means in these cases, & this will likely alienate normaal every day gamers who don't really give a toss & just want to play COD with their mates etc. But what about the other loyal customers, that Sony pee'd off? What about the folks for who OtherOS was a selling feature? Those who prefer the firmware they're currently on, & have to nother way to play legit games they've bought?

The argument grows old, & I grow weary of constantly pointing out theres wrong on both sides. But these chaps are going to cause one big headache for Sony.

WolfForager

Oh i'm pro custom firmware (i just get testy when people start messing around with the PSN), as i have stated before, but this entire ddos attack is ridiculous and is hurting the average joe more than anyone else.

Also apparently anonymous are releasing the identities of senior sony staff's familiy members online, that is REALLY taking it too far. Also harassing the Judge heading the case.

If anything this is giving Sony more fire power to use against GeoHot, especially if the claims of harassing the judge are true.

Myrddin

WolfForager wrote: »

Oh i'm pro custom firmware (i just get testy when people start messing around with the PSN), as i have stated before, but this entire ddos attack is ridiculous and is hurting the average joe more than anyone else.

Also apparently anonymous are releasing the identities of senior sony staff's familiy members online, that is REALLY taking it too far. Also harassing the Judge heading the case.

If anything this is giving Sony more fire power to use against GeoHot, especially if the claims of harassing the judge are true.

That has been falsely reported, I read here that Kakarotoks tweeted its more BS

Just spoke with the guy from #SonyRecon, he assures me there is nothing like that, no attacks on people and no plans to, ONLY *recon*, gathering information that is already publicly available, in the hopes of finding something incriminating to help in the lawsuit. Anonymous is against violence or threatening/attacking people. He says nothing illegal is being done, and news sites are reporting the information wrong.

I completely concur re CFW & PSN not mixing (and I'm not even a PSN user), that's just immature kids who used it for cheating in games etc. I think they've fixed it now anyway havn't they?

WolfForager

EnterNow wrote: »

That has been falsely reported, I read here that Kakarotoks tweeted its more BS

Well that's good then. I know some guy was bragging on their IRC channel about leaving "Chocolate Rain" on the voicemail of the judge, but as you said probably is just BS!

EnterNow wrote: »

I completely concur re CFW & PSN not mixing (and I'm not even a PSN user), that's just immature kids who used it for cheating in games etc. I think they've fixed it now anyway havn't they?

Yea they have, i was just using that to pin point why i may appear so horrifically anti-anti Sony :P

Will I Amnt

Is it down again??can't get signed in at all

tonydude

cambo2008 wrote: »

Is it down again??can't get signed in at all

Same here, cant sign in but my download list is continuing its downloads. Bloody psn

Will I Amnt

tonydude wrote: »

Same here, cant sign in but my download list is continuing its downloads. Bloody psn

At least it's not just me,may dust off the snakes and ladders again :):)

Klair88

cant sign in either, thank the sun im not alone!

Varik

not sure if it was working or not around when you all where trying but i just signed in and went on the store now for the update.

Myrddin

Varik wrote: »

not sure if it was working or not around when you all where trying but i just signed in and went on the store now for the update.

The 'sporadic maintenance' must be over for today.

Headshot

its down again
they are working on the psn store it seems

Sephiroth_dude

crap no red dead tonight then with boardies

Myrddin

Oh look, those evil hackers have told everyone how to restore access, if your suffering problems logging on due to the 'sporadic maintenance'

Go to Network Settings * Internet Connection Settings * Custom * Select your connection method * Manual Settings * Scroll through until you get to DNS Settings - Select Manual * Enter 8.8.8.8 for Primary and 8.8.4.4 for Secondary

Now we should let you know beforehand that this is not a proven method and what is doing is redirecting the DNS (Domain Name Service) from the original PSN servers to google's DNS servers. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 are the ip addresses for the official Google DNS. A DNS converts ip addresses into readable website names and assists in related network traffic.According to reports of a good number of users, the fix seems to work for some but not for others. We just thought that you might want to give it a try.

Damn those blasted haxors. Source

WolfForager

What's the point of attacking the server but then telling people how to get around it? :S

Myrddin

WolfForager wrote: »

What's the point of attacking the server but then telling people how to get around it? :S

Em, I highly doubt their goal is to p1ss off legitimate gamers

WolfForager

Hmmm, i was assuming their goal was to piss off gamers and that in turn would piss off Sony.

Also, what exactly does switching to Googles DNS do? Does it effect the security of the connection?

Headshot

God I ****ing hate hackers

Just spoiling the enjoyment for everyone, ****ing ***** anyway

WolfForager

Quote from an Anon spokesman, apparently we're collateral damage

The consumers in this are as one might call, collateral damage. We are very cognizant of the fact that we are not making friends nor allies among the average consumer with our attack. This is unfortunate as a concern should always be, will the very people we seek to support not see what it is we are trying to achieve. In this case, many don’t. There has been a lot of hate spread throughout the internet and over forums that we are being reckless and simply punishing consumers more than Sony.

http://www.warpzoned.com/?p=5412

Myrddin

WolfForager wrote: »

Hmmm, i was assuming their goal was to piss off gamers and that in turn would piss off Sony.

Also, what exactly does switching to Googles DNS do? Does it effect the security of the connection?

Nah I'd say p1ssing off gamers is a side effect of the point they're making & how they're making it. But not the end goal.

Headshot wrote: »

God I ****ing hate hackers

Just spoiling the enjoyment for everyone, ****ing ***** anyway

I know, terrible of them isn't it wanting to own what they paid for. And to rub salt into the wounds by telling peoepl how to get psn back? Jeez, these guys have some neck :rolleyes:

Headshot

the big bad hackers throwing their toys out of the pram

I hopefully the judge throws the book at that geohot waster

Myrddin

Headshot wrote: »

the big bad hackers throwing their toys out of the pram

I hopefully the judge throws the book at that geohot waster

You do know about the Sony rootkit scandal don't you?

Myrddin

Headshot wrote: »

the big bad hackers throwing their toys out of the pram

I hopefully the judge throws the book at that geohot waster

Also, due to his efforts, its now completely legal to jailbreak a phone in the states. One mans criminal is another mans saint. Funny how there was none of this while OtherOS was still available. Would Sony just not restore OtherOS with modern security & be done with it?

Headshot

EnterNow wrote: »

I know, terrible of them isn't it wanting to own what they paid for. And to rub salt into the wounds by telling peoepl how to get psn back? Jeez, these guys have some neck :rolleyes:

go back to your modding forum for that ****

I paid to use sony ps3 for all its multi functions but since you bloody hackers have hacked the ps3, online play is at nightmare.

I dont want to change my network settings because of my open nat.

Headshot

EnterNow wrote: »

You do know about the Sony rootkit scandal don't you?

ya but nothing to do with my ps3, so I dont give a ****

EnterNow wrote: »

Also, due to his efforts, its now completely legal to jailbreak a phone in the states. One mans criminal is another mans saint. Funny how there was none of this while OtherOS was still available. Would Sony just not restore OtherOS with modern security & be done with it?

wow, again I dont give a ****. this **** has ruined the ps3 online gaming community

There's a big difference between jailbreaking a phone and hacking a ps3.

Myrddin

Headshot wrote: »

go back to your modding forum for that ****

I paid to use sony ps3 for all its multi functions but since you bloody hackers have hacked the ps3, online play is at nightmare.

I dont want to change my network settings because of my open nat.

Then don't change them, & wait for the 'sporadic mainanence' to end

Headshot

EnterNow wrote: »

Then don't change them, & wait for the 'sporadic mainanence' to end

if your buddies would get the dummy out of their mouth, I wouldnt have too.

Myrddin

Headshot wrote: »

ya but nothing to do with my ps3, so I dont give a ****



wow, again I dont give a ****. this **** has ruined the ps3 online gaming community

There's a big difference between jailbreaking a phone and hacking a ps3.

There are no hacked PS3's on psn today, I can guarantee you that, so are you basing your information of media reported bs or were you just not aware of that?

Myrddin

Headshot wrote: »

if your buddies would get the dummy out of their mouth, I wouldnt have too.

Real mature man

Headshot

EnterNow wrote: »

There are no hacked PS3's on psn today, I can guarantee you that, so are you basing your information of media reported bs or were you just not aware of that?

How can you guarantee that ?

I still see dodgy stuff on mw2

EnterNow wrote: »

Real mature man

Thanks

I dont like replying with the likes of a hacking fanboy, so im not bothering anymore

WolfForager

In all fairness alot of the dodgy MW2 stuff is down to a feck up on Infinity Wards part, not Sonys.

Headshot

WolfForager wrote: »

In all fairness alot of the dodgy MW2 stuff is down to a feck up on Infinity Wards part, not Sonys.

When the ps3 hack came out the game was unplayable

before that it was grand to play

WolfForager

I'm pretty sure that IW left a loophole open where a tech savvy person could access the Dev controls. And i was noticing that sort of stuff on MW2 even a few weeks after launch, albeit not as bad.

Myrddin

Headshot wrote: »

How can you guarantee that ?

Because there are authentication checks carried out on PS3's now when a user logs into PSN, any discrepancies will result in a refusal of access. That includes CFW & Jailbreak code.

There are some problems with the infinity ward server, where previous cheaters have retained their cheats I think, but that's got nothing to do with Sony as Wolforager stated.

You really should chill out, it's only a games console. Go outside, its a lovely sunny day

johnny_ultimate

Mod Note: Headshot, no need for childish personal abuse, hardly doing your argument any favours. Play nice guys.

F1ngers

EnterNow wrote: »

Em, I highly doubt their goal is to p1ss off legitimate gamers

Em, I'd say it is.
Nobody is forcing them to attack the PSN - they are doing it willingly and knowing it will piss off gamers.
They could take their grievances to court, just like Sony did with Geohot.
If they have merits, the court will find in their favour.

Headshot

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Mod Note: Headshot, no need for childish personal abuse, hardly doing your argument any favours. Play nice guys.

personal abuse

how are you getting personal abuse over that ?

Myrddin

F1ngers wrote: »

Em, I'd say it is.
Nobody is forcing them to attack the PSN - they are doing it willingly and knowing it will piss off gamers.
They could take their grievances to court, just like Sony did with Geohot.
If they have merits, the court will find in their favour.

Well I meant their end-goal really, they're obviously making enemies on both sides now. Unfortunately the courts seem to favour the bigger wallet in the states, the recent youtube & google subpoena was clearly a blow for the protection of individual rights & privacy online.

I'm not anti-Sony, nor am I pro-hacker. I simply 'get' the point, that you should be freely available to do what you own to your own hardware. Starting from a neutral perspective, I also believe it was wrong to sue graf for a million euro on the basis of his Linux work. It's excessive, & it's purely a scare tactic as opposed to actual compensation for any wrong-doing.

I think what Anonymous' end goal here is to hit Sony in the pocket, where they'll feel it the most. If people can't get onto the PS Store, or have paid for PSN Plus subscriptions that they can't use, it will cause pain for Sony. Of course doing that will alienate legit gamers, who only want to use the service, I think Anonymous will be well aware of that. Unfortunately there's nothing you, or I or anyone can say or do about it. They've obviously pee'd these guys off, & these people seem to be the real deal. I can't see a quick end to it

Need I remind any of you, that Sony were & still are in trouble over the use of stolen LG technology. And there's also the rootkit fiasco, the harvesting of person info by the PS3 too. None of these warrant the current action, but to some people like myself, it shows that the good guys are far from angelic too. For those that just want to play online games though, all of the above will mean nothing, & I can understand that too.