Tokyo: Sony said it would resume some services on its' PlayStation Network this week after boosting the security of computer systems that had allowed the theft of personal information belonging to 77 million user accounts.
Sony, which is scrambling to control a crisis triggered by the massive security breach, said it would offer some free content, including 30 days of free membership to a premium service to existing users, to prevent customer flight.
"This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers but our entire industry. These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security," Kazuo Hirai, the frontrunner to take over the top job at Sony, said in a statement.
"In addition, the organisation has worked around the clock to bring these services back on line and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks," added Hirai, who will be the first company executive to address the public on the issue at a briefing in Tokyo at 0500 GMT.
Legal action
The incident has sparked legal action and investigations by authorities in the United States and Europe, home to almost 90 percent of the users of the network, which enables gamers to download software and compete with other members.
In the United States, attorneys general, who act as consumer advocates, have begun investigating the matter or reviewing it with staff in several states, while U.S. regulators such as the Federal Trade Commission could get involved as well.
Consumer reaction
Many users were angered by the fact that the first warning of one of the largest Internet security break-ins ever came a week after Sony had shut the network and hours after Hirai made an upbeat appearance at the unveiling of the company's first tablet computers.
Hirai, known for his presentation skills, needs to persuade users that the network is safe and investors that Sony's strategy of exploiting synergies between hardware and content via online services, which he has expanded to include movies and music, is manageable.
Sony shares tumbled 4.5 percent on Thursday. Markets were closed on Friday.
