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The disastrous PlayStation Network breach has prompted reaction from the second most powerful person in British politics.
Chancellor George Osborne yesterday told an audience in London that all online service providers must learn from the infamous PSN hack.
“The hacking into Sony’s online PlayStation Network, and the theft of millions of users’ credit card details, is a high profile example of the need for robust online security” Osborne said.
Sony has already stated it is unclear of the credit card data of more than ten million users was taken.
But the data breach looks likely to be a lingering embarrassment Sony’s entertainment business – and a prime reference point for speeches and discussions about online security.
Osborne demonstrated that fact, saying yesterday that “this age of digitised public services creates challenges alongside opportunities – the challenge of ensuring the security of personal data and financial information.”
Osborne’s speech comes days after culture minister Ed Vaizey said Sony must now make security its clear priority.
At an event last week, Vaizey told Develop: “Clearly, as more and more companies move their products online – with more and more customers handing over their details – data protection is going to have to be a number one priority.”
“The Information Commission has been given new powers to issue fines where necessary. I know the ICO has been in touch with Sony and clearly this is a huge issue, Sony getting hacked and people’s data being stolen.”
The PlayStation Network was hacked between April 17th and 19th, compromising details of over 77 million registered users.
The service is now in the process of fully returning back online.
