Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC has warned its video-game console users that their credit card information might have been compromised in a recent security breach that has affected the PlayStation 3's online network as well as the company's streaming music and video service.
Sony said that between April 17 and April 19 an authorized third-party accessed the PlayStation Network, which enables some 77 million users play video games together and download music and movies. The service has been offline since April 20.
Sony contends there is no evidence to suggest credit card information was stolen, but has urged users to be diligent and monitor their accounts for unauthorized transactions.
"If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained," Sony wrote on the PlayStation blog April 26.
Sony is still investigating the breach's details but believes the responsible party obtained personal information such as name, home address, country, email address, birth date as well as gamers' login credentials for the service.
"It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained," Sony wrote on the blog.
Qriocity is Sony's streaming music and video service.
Sony is working to restore service to the PlayStation Network and hopes to have it running within a week. The company is urging users to change their passwords when service resumes.
