After weeks of controversy over the hacking of the PlayStation Network, the final steps in bringing the system back online are being taken as the network is put back online in Asia. The continent is the final region of the world to have the system placed back online, with the restart having been delayed as Sony sought to demonstrate to Asian authorities that necessary data protection steps hasd been taken.

The hacking of the system has been a major black eye for Sony, as a company of its size working in the field of computer technology would be expected to be alert to any efforts to hack the system. Fears emerged that data belonging to approximately a hundred million users – which may have included credit card details – could have been taken, and the system was taken down as an emergency step.

The initial hack took place on the 20th of April, and much of the world got limited access to the PSN back by the 16th of May, although initially users were unable to use credit cards in order to buy games and other digital media. During this time, Sony worked with security firms in order to find ways to increase the security of their system.

Since the initial hack, there have been scares linked to other Sony websites, hinting that the company has been the target of a specific campaign of attack. In order to begin to repair a damaged reputation and to ensure that they regain and retain the trust of customers, Sony has offered compensation packages and given a promise to take extra vigilance with data.