Whether you love or hate Sony, the truth of the matter is they’re in very hot water right now over the recent data theft that occurred two weeks ago. And while many disgruntled customers, along with some Capitol Hill politicians, have criticized their handling of the whole situation, Sony seems to be doing what it can to regain consumer trust.
In order to make sure their consumers stay protected, as well as make up for awkward situation PlayStation Network users have been placed in, Sony will be offering its users free enrollment in Debix’s AllClear ID Plus identity theft protection program for a whole year. PSN users will have until June 18th to register with the service, with activation codes and information on how to apply being sent out to users within the next few days.
According to Sony, enrollment will include:
- 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.
While many will see the data breach as Sony’s own wrongdoing on account of negligence, the fact that they’re doing their best to minimize the impact of the situation is, at the very least, a big step in the right direction.
Enrollment in AllClear ID Plus will be available for US customers only. However, Sony will be working to enact similar plans to protect affected customers worldwide.
In related news, there is still no word on when PSN functionality is expected to return. However, Sony has noted that the final phase of internal tests for the new system has begun. Hopefully, this means functionality restoration is right around the corner.
[via PlayStation.Blog]