We’ve seen a marked increase in the output from Sony HQ. First, we got word that they had entered the final testing stages. Then Howard Stringer spoke out and we got this news of complimentary ID-theft protection.
The scheme, only offered to those in the United States, will give users the following benefits (among others):
- Cyber monitoring and surveillance of the Internet to detect exposure of an AllClear ID Plus customer’s personal information, including monitoring of criminal web sites and data recovered by law enforcement. If his/her personal information is found, the customer will be alerted by phone and/or email and will be provided advice and support regarding protective steps to take. The customer will also receive monthly identity status reports. Debix works with an alliance of cyber-crime experts from the government, academia and industry to provide these services.
- Priority access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists. If an AllClear ID Plus customer receives an alert, or otherwise suspects that he/she may be the victim of identity theft, the customer can speak directly, on a priority basis, with an on-staff licensed private investigator, who will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. In the case of an identity theft, the customer can work with an identity restoration specialist to contact creditors and others, and take necessary steps to restore the customer’s identity.
- A $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user to provide additional protection in the event that an AllClear ID Plus customer becomes a victim of identity theft. This insurance would provide financial relief of up to $1 million for covered identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages that occur within 12 months after the stolen identity event.
Users will receive an activation email in the next few days and will have until June 18th to confirm their entry into the scheme.
We think this is a great idea and should go a long way to alleviating consumer fears after the PSN attack left personal data exposed. After last weekend’s humble apologies we had another quiet week from SCE but now they seem to be more ready to talk and the news is getting more and more positive.
SCEE have said that they are trying to tie up loose ends on a similar deal for their region but, understandably, it’s taking a little longer due to the number of countries involved.
hazelam
is there any mention of how long this will last?
djhsecondnature
Yeah 12 months.
ron_mcphatty
So by applying casual maths and assuming its similar to the Lloyds £8 a month product, thats about £70 worth of stuff per user. Very generous given the number of PSN users around!
Dange
This is sounding better, as mentioned I hope SCEE do something like this.
Here’s hoping were almost at the end of all this nonsense, and we can all get back to playing games on PSN again :)
Ben
Fantastic!
cam the man
There’s a report on ‘Click’ (BBC News 24) this weekend about the PSN security issues.
AegonV
Although it is a good idea, it may be difficult to some people to trust them again with their details…
bunimomike
Agreed but this goes above and beyond to help ease their mind. Fingers crossed there’ll be stunningly high levels of security but insurance is a word everyone loves to see when it comes to protecting something important to them. Just seeing the one million dollars will prick up ears across the Americas (and the rest of the world). If.. if… IF it all happens again it means we have financial remuneration to cover any costs incurred, etc.
Damn good PR, Sony. Most impressed. Next you’ll be advertising your console and games regularly but I’m getting ahead of myself. ;-)
InternationalGamer
How much will this cost Sony! They are giving free content, the money lost from their stocks and the PSN down time and than free ID protection, thats alot of money.
gazzagb
Sounds like a good scheme, I hope it gets implemented here, we know what SCEE are really like. While I’m not that bothered about the information leak, it will provide some peace of mind at least.
unclebob
As said at the time, all that’s required of Sony is an apology, which Kaz & co did a few days ago and for them to provide ID protection. This is the minimum requirement of Sony drawing a line under it, and whilst its good of them to do the right thing, it was always pretty much a requirement.
I did expect it to be a specially negotiated long ‘trial’ though, so covering it for a year is welcome.
Hopefully the EU version is the same 12 months, no strings – I’m sure it will be, it would be terrible if it fell short of that.
lokiy2j
brilliant! roll on the online protection for the EU!
Foxhound_Solid
Excellent move B-)