A custom firmware PS3 hack that was discovered recently – and touted by Kotaku as one Sony can’t stop – has pushed the company to drastic measures. The company says they’re going to ban anyone using the exploit from the PlayStation Network… permanently.
The hack in question removes the LVO decryption keys for the PS3 by using a PC, thus making any future firmware updates easily decrypted and circumnavigated. In other words, now a PC can imitate a PlayStation 3, download pirated material, then push it to a “modded” console. With this announcement, it appears Sony‘s taking off the kid gloves and announcing their new permanent PSN ban policy. Sufficed to say, they’re done taking a PS3 hack of any kind lightly.
Full announcement below:
Dear valued PlayStation®3 customers,
Unauthorized software for the PlayStation®3 system was recently released by hackers. Use of such software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation®3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation®Network/Sony Entertainment Network and its Community Code of Conduct provisions.
Violation of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation®3 system invalidates the consumer’s right to access that system. Consumers running unauthorized or pirated software may have their access to the PlayStation®Network and access to Sony Entertainment Network services through PlayStation®3 system terminated permanently.
To avoid permanent termination, consumers must immediately cease using and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation®3 systems.
In order to help provide a safe, fair, online environment, consumers who we believe violate “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation®Network/Sony Entertainment Network or the applicable laws or regulations of their country or region risk having access to the PlayStation®Network and access to Sony Entertainment Network services terminated permanently.
