PlayStation Network hacked... bad Sony!

Sony's stock with gamers goes downhill on the back that the company sat on new of a massive security breach on the PlayStation Network... UPDATED - 12.29pm

UPDATE: According to the SMH, the NSW Fraud Squad has strongly suggested that any affected PSN users should cancel their credit/debit cards. Serious bidness!

I've hinted in the past that I'm not a huge PlayStation fan. Couldn't tell you exactly why, but if you wanted further proof it would be the complete lack of awareness concerning the GIANT SECURITY BREACH on the PlayStation Network that happened over the long weekend. We had no idea. Then again, we don't use the PSN much, so we have an excuse. 

We've no idea what Sony's excuse is, though, as they appear to have sat on the news like the three blin monkeys, only recently admitting that there may in fact be a problem. How much of a problem? Let's go straight to the horse's mouth:

We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network. In response to this intrusion, we have:

1. Temporarily turned off PlayStation Network and Qriocity services;

2. Engaged an outside, recognized security firm to conduct a full and complete investigation into what happened; and

3. Quickly taken steps to enhance security and strengthen our network infrastructure by re-building our system to provide you with greater protection of your personal information.

We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill as we do whatever it takes to resolve these issues as quickly and efficiently as practicable.

Hmm... nasty. However, note that part about the good will. The fact that this is now very old news has had PSN users up in digital arms. You can see some choice quotes from users over on our sister site PC & Tech Authority - and they're the polite ones. The reason folks are so pissed off can be found further down Sony's announcement:

... we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID...

These are not details you want going into the public domain, and further on Sony admits that even credit card data may have been breached. But Sony isn't sure.

 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.

Abundance of caution my arse. Sony just plain doesn't know. 

Interestingly, PlayStation owners aren't the only folks up in arms. United States Senator Richard Blumenthal has penned an open letter admitting his own disgust at Sony's failure to notify its millions of customers in a timely manner. You can read the full text at the Senator's site, but heres a juicy excerpt:

... PlayStation Network users should be provided with financial data security services, including free access to credit reporting services, for two years, the costs of which should be borne by Sony. Affected individuals should also be provided with sufficient insurance to protect them from the possible financial consequences of identity theft.

Them there's some fighting words, and, frankly, justified ones. So, who amongst you guys have been affected by this? Have PSN users seen or heard anything more from Sony about this?