In 2011 Sony disclosed that its PlayStation video gaming network and Qriocity streaming music and video networks had been hacked and that personal data including credit card information on more than 101 million users had been stolen.  A class action was filed in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of California on behalf of the people whose data had been stolen alleging that Sony had failed to properly secure the network and protect the information of its users.  Now a proposed settlement has been submitted to the judge for approval.  I will report to you when the settlement becomes official.

TIPS

This is just another example of the fact that regardless of how careful you are in regard to protecting the security of your personal data, you are only as secure as the companies with the weakest security with which you do business.

In regard to the proposed settlement, people who had a PlayStation Network account or sub-account as well as those who had a Qriocity account or a Sony Online Entertainment account prior to May 15, 2011 will be eligible for compensation.  The settlement provides for cash reimbursements of up to $2,500 per person for identity theft related expenses incurred as well as free PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games, PlayStation Plus subscriptions, Music Unlimited service subscriptions and virtual currency.