Sony resets some PSN passwords in response to 'irregular activity' [Update]

Update: Sony has provided Joystiq with the following statement: "We routinely monitor for irregular activity, and if such activity is detected, we may sometimes reset passwords of affected SEN accounts to protect consumers and their account information. The password resets are not related to an attack on, nor a vulnerability in, our data servers; it is an example of an increasingly common threat of malicious online activity."

A round of PSN password resets happened today. Sony notified select PSN users through email after the company discovered "irregular activity" on its PlayStation Network.

"The Sony Entertainment Network team routinely monitors for any irregular activity, and if such activity is detected, we may sometimes reset passwords of affected accounts to protect consumers and their account information," said the email, which you can read in full past the break. Any specifics regarding this "irregular activity" have not been announced, so we've followed up with Sony for comment.

PSN security has been a priority for Sony since the PlayStation Network outage in 2011, which was caused by an "external intrusion" compromising personal information. Sony would then go on to recruit former US Homeland Security official Phillip Teitinger as its Chief Information Security Officer.

Dear valued customer,

The Sony Entertainment Network team routinely monitors for any irregular activity, and if such activity is detected, we may sometimes reset passwords of affected accounts to protect consumers and their account information. Your account password was recently reset as part of this process and you will need to create a new password the next time you access your account using the "Forgot Your Password" option on the Sign in screen.

We encourage you to create a complex unique password that you have not used before or isn't the same password as those associated with other online services. As always, we also encourage you to keep a close eye on your account for any unusual activity including emails about transactions you did not perform. Please click here if you need help in changing your password, or to contact us for additional assistance.

Also, remember that Sony will never ask you for your password or any personal or account information in an email. Please use caution if you receive any emails or phone calls from anyone asking for personal information or directing you to a website where you are asked to provide personal information.

Thank you,

The Sony Entertainment Network Team