Japanese electronics maker Sony has tendered an apology to users across the world for the inconvenience caused to them after its PlayStation Network (PSN) was hacked around 19 April.
Sony Corp’s PlayStation video game unit chief Kazuo Hirai was among the three senior executives of the company to bow their heads to apologise for the security breach, which is believe to have caused the loss of personal data of 77 million users.
"We apologise deeply for causing great unease and trouble to our users", said Hirai at the company’s Tokyo HQ.
To regain customer trust, Sony would offer a "Welcome Back" package, which will offer complimentary downloads and 30 days of free service around the world.
Hirai had earlier said that the company will be restoring the service now that it has fortified its network against future attacks.
"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," Hirai said.
Hirai also denied the company deliberately delayed releasing information about the breach. He said the service was shut down to prevent damage, and that it took time to ascertain waht had gone wrong and find out who was responsible.
Hirai said Sony was already working with the FBI and other authorities on "a criminal cyber attack" at Sony’s data centre in San Diego, California.
Gamers in the US have already sued Sony for negligence and breach of contract over the massive PSN hack that took place last week. The two lawsuits filed against the company seek damages and class action status.
