Hack update: PSN remains offline and some Xbox Live services still down for the count

Hack update: PSN remains offline and some Xbox Live services still down for the count

Both Sony’s PlayStation Network and Microsoft’s Xbox Live services were hit on Christmas Eve with DDoS attacks, with hacker group Lizard Squad taking responsibility for the hits; the group did warn users a few weeks ago that such an attack on Sony’s and Microsoft’s online gaming services was planned for Christmas. While both Sony and Microsoft have managed to bring their networks back online on and off since then, it appears that many gamers are still unable to log into either PSN or Xbox Live.

Currently, PSN is still offline for many users, with some Xbox Live services also unavailable to Xbox owners.

“We are aware that some users are experiencing difficulty logging into the PSN. We will update this article with any changes that occur in regards to this issue. Thank you for your patience,” Sony wrote on the PSN status page.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has labeled IGN, Maxim and MLG.TV on Xbox One as limited services on Xbox Live, saying everything else should be up and running. On Thursday night, Xbox Live posted a message on its support site acknowledging an issue, CNNreports.

“Were you having a hard time signing in to Xbox Live? If so, we’re glad to say we’ve reached a solution! You can once again sign in without any issues. Thanks for hanging in there while we worked. We appreciate it!,” Microsoft said.

It’s not clear at this time whether the attacks are related in any way to the massive Sony Pictures hack, or whether they have anything to do with the launch of The Interview, a controversial comedy that the hackers who attacked Sony Pictures wanted to prevent from launching in theaters.

After initially canceling the film’s release, Sony reversed its course and released the movie in select theaters as well as online, with help from Google and Microsoft.

SOURCE:

CNN, NBC