Playstation Home Faces Security Issues, Lag

Kris Erickson • Dec 12, 2008 • Comments ()

Yesterday's launch of the highly-anticipated Home service did not go entirely according to plan. As expected with a roll-out of this magnitude, the online interface ran into a few snags that have prevented many users from being able to log on and try out the system. Many users trying to log onto the service reported receiving error message C-931. Sony reports that one being reported the most currently and is the error you'll receive when you can not connect due to very high levels of traffic.

Some of the technical problems seem to have been caused by the sheer number of people attempting to log on to the service simultaneously. Sony issued the following statement to that effect today:

"We are aware that some people may be experiencing difficulty in accessing the PlayStation Home beta at present. This is due to overwhelming demand for the service as people access Home for the very first time since it became Open Beta and appeared on the XMB. While we prepare solutions to ease the problem, you may continue to experience difficulties accessing Home. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to meet the incredible demand for this revolutionary service."

An additional worry came from hackers and security experts who have pointed out major security vulnerabilities with Sony's Home server. These security flaws could give anyone the ability to upload, download, change or delete objects in the Home environment. We can only imagine the anarchy that would ensue if hackers were able to display any video or message they wanted on Home billboards. So far these security flaws remain un-exploited, but users are cautioned against giving away any personally identifiable information while logged on to the service.