Starting soon, the PlayStation Network will be inaccessible for several hours for maintenance. The server maintenance performed at this time represents a crucial step in the full restoration for PSN, including the PlayStation Store.

During this maintenance period, users will be unable to sign in to PSN, though those that are already logged in should be able to remain online.

Resumption of full PlayStation Network service is still on track for this week in most regions.

Thank you once again for your patience as we work to return PSN to the highest level of service.

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PlayStation Network will undergo routine maintenance today, between 16:00 BST and 00:00 BST. If you wish to play online during the maintenance, please ensure you sign in to PSN before 16:00.

The latest information I have on PlayStation Store is that we are aiming to have it live by the end of May. Contrary to popular rumours, it will not be reopening tomorrow but we will let you know here as soon as the date is confirmed.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this essential maintenance.

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We temporarily took down the PSN and Qriocity password reset page. Contrary to some reports, there was no hack involved. In the process of resetting of passwords there was a URL exploit that we have subsequently fixed.

Consumers who haven’t reset their passwords for PSN are still encouraged to do so directly on their PS3. Otherwise, they can continue to do so via the website as soon as we bring that site back up.

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Last week we informed you that we would be liaising with providers of identity theft protection plans following the malicious attack on PlayStation Network throughout our region. We are now in a position to provide you with actual details of the programme for current PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers in UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

As I have explained previously, identifying such programmes for the many countries within the SCEE region is a very complicated process. Each country has a different way of handling identity theft; whilst some offer relatively sophisticated services, others may not. Therefore, we must stress that this is an ongoing process which will see new identity theft protection programmes identified where possible.

That said, we are pleased to advise that Affinion International Limited, a leader in identity protection products in Europe, will be offering a comprehensive service that covers a significant proportion of PSN users free of charge for the first 12 months.

Affinion International Limited will be offering the following identity theft protection service and insurance through their fraud protect programme for the UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

The fraud protect proposition cover three key areas:*

Personal Information protection

• Monitoring and Alerting Service
• Personal Information Protection Software

Help / Assistance and guidance

• Dedicated helpline
• Victim of Fraud support

Financial Protection

• Insurance that covers the expenses incurred in identity restoration following identity fraud
• Card Monitoring and Alerting Service

We are still working to identify similar services for those countries not covered by this offering, and this will depend on reputable businesses offering appropriate services. As such, we promise to keep you updated on progress right here on PlayStation.Blog.

We will provide you with information on how to contact Affinion shortly about this service.

Please note that PSN customers under the age of 18 are advised to consult their parent or guardian.

*For information as to the terms and conditions of Affinion International Limited’s programme please visit:

UK – www.fraudprotect.co.uk
France – www.fraudprotect.fr
Italy – www.fraudprotect.it
Germany – www.fraudprotect.de
Spain – www.fraudprotect.es

* For eligibility for fraud protect consumers must be 18+ and be an account holder on 20 April 2011.

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As you’re no doubt aware, certain PlayStation Network services have resumed which means, among other things, we can all get back to playing games online. Here on the PlayStation.Blog, it means we can get back to talking about games, starting with the range of inFamous 2 editions available in Europe and the all-important release date. It’s good to be back.

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