PlayStation Network Back Online After DDoS Attack

The PlayStation Network and Sony Entertainment Network are back online after hackers slammed the online services with distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks yesterday.

Sony writes on the PlayStation Blog that it purposely brought the networks down after the attacks. The company adds that there is no evidence that the hackers actually got into the networks or accessed users' personal information.

As a result of the attack, Sony said the PSN and SEN will not undergo their previously scheduled periods, which were supposed to happen today, August 25. "We will provide an update shortly for when the maintenance will be rescheduled," Sony said.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this issue," Sony added. "Thanks for your patience and support."

The hackers did not only target the PSN and SEN, it appears. The same group that targeted the online networks also claimed responsibility for the bomb threat that made American Airlines ground and divert a flight yesterday carrying Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley. The FBI is currently investigating the case.

Smedley wrote on Twitter, "Yes. My plane was diverted. Not going to discuss more than that. Justice will find these guys."

We will continue to monitor this story as it develops.

Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @EddieMakuch

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