Ok, I've seen a bunch of speculation of why people think PSN is down, and I thought I should just post what the community knows in comparison to what Sony is telling everyone. The truth is, there was a new CFW (custom firmware) released known as Rebug (You must login or register to view this content.). It essentially turns a retail console into a dev console (not fully, but gives you a lot of the same options that usually dev's only have access to). Anyway, this new CFW was quickly figured out by 3rd parties (not Rebug) to give CFW users access to the PSN network again via the dev networks. With a little manipulation of the URL's through a proxy server you could get your hacked console back online. Not that big of a deal, right?Well, it also turns out that some people over at NGU found out that you could provide fake CC# info and the authenticity of the information was never checked as you were on Sony's private developer PSN network (essentially a network that Sony trusted).What happened next was extreme piracy of PSN content. Sony realizing the issue here shut down the network. Now, before you go freaking out about the latest information posted about Kotaku, no ones personal information was accessible via this hack. Not to say they couldn't get it, but no one is admitting to it being available. Anyway, that's the real reason for the PSN downtime. Sony is now rebuilding all of it's PSN servers to be more secure and (hopefully) make sure the CFW users cannot get online anymore.

Edit #1: To those of you saying that this is speculation, you are correct. But, it is speculation based on a lot of facts and the outcome seems to make the most sense.
1. Rebug was released on 3/31/11.
2. First guides of how to use the dev network to get back on COD games on 4/3/11. 3. Word of "shady" sites finding a way to pirate PSN content via the dev networks on 4/7/11 (basing this on posts I had to delete on the website). 4. PSN goes down on 4/20/11

No... Just... no...
Proof or GTFO

this seems to be an individual breaking into the network ... probably why it's taking so long to clean-up. ... The break-in might even be coincidental to the recent Anonymous actions. ... However, the timing is certainly suspicious
Blog.Computerworld.

Ok, let me explain why there is no basis on the claim on Rebug.

POINT 1
In a software development environment, you have the Dev environment, UAT and Live (Sometimes a couple in between as well). The Dev and UAT environments will NEVER have access to sensitive data (like CC numbers, account info etc). The reason is that a clever dev can then do some transfers themselves and cover his tracks. I have been in the IT field for over 17 years (Yes, i am an old Geezer), and Im talking from previous experience.

POINT 2
The publishers should, and never would, have access to your CC and account details. All they should get from the PSN network is data pertaining to what they offer. This mean an email address, PS ID, Trophy details etc - but NO CC details since that breaches so many data protections acts in the EU, Asia and the USA. Why is this important you ask? The Dev and UAT environments are open to the publishers. It was created for them to test their products, and DLCs integrated into the PSN system. See my first point on this environments.

So please, anyone who think Rebug people went in and steal CC details or some other crap, get your f-ing facts straight.

These were quotes from a forum webite I was reading, I saw this!
From a moderator at PSX-Scene:





Now, you can believe Sony's PR team which has kept you completely in the dark, or you can see the list of events above and come to your own conclusion. Now, this isn't the first time Sony has fought back against the PS3 modders from getting on PSN. A couple of months ago we had a utility called f*ckPSN that changed the necessary header information that was being sent to Sony to allow modified consoles back online. We were able to use it for about a month. Then came the new TOS, the mass e-mail to PS3 customers, and software update 3.56 and 3.60. So, once again, yes this is all speculation, but it is speculation based on previous actions and known facts.
Edit #2: Mathieulh just mentioned that he has been in contact with someone that has official access to the SCE devnet servers and it was posted to them today that only 3.60+ debug firmwares will be allowed on the dev network anymore. All earlier versions will be cut. If you want to retain your access you need to contact Sony and upgrade to 3.60 debug firmware.
Edit #3: Ok, it looks like some various news sites have picked up this story and taken it out of context. Once again, this is all speculation and information gathered from various devs in the PS3 scene. It might very well not be the real reason PSN is down, but as the timeline fits, it's a reasonable explanation. Now, as to Rebug directly allowing this to happen, that's not the case at all. Different CFW's have had access to the dev network the whole time. This is not new news for people in the PS3 scene. It's what people have figured out what to do with the said network that has caused all the recent issues. Saying that Rebug is what did this is like saying a gun manufacturer is responsible for every death that happens with a gun.


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you are missing the point! Using fake Credit card info to purchase games from PSN is why rebug is the Blame!

Ok, let me explain why there is no basis on the claim on Rebug.

POINT 1
In a software development environment, you have the Dev environment, UAT and Live (Sometimes a couple in between as well). The Dev and UAT environments will NEVER have access to sensitive data (like CC numbers, account info etc). The reason is that a clever dev can then do some transfers themselves and cover his tracks. I have been in the IT field for over 17 years (Yes, i am an old Geezer), and Im talking from previous experience.

POINT 2
The publishers should, and never would, have access to your CC and account details. All they should get from the PSN network is data pertaining to what they offer. This mean an email address, PS ID, Trophy details etc - but NO CC details since that breaches so many data protections acts in the EU, Asia and the USA. Why is this important you ask? The Dev and UAT environments are open to the publishers. It was created for them to test their products, and DLCs integrated into the PSN system. See my first point on this environments.

So please, anyone who think Rebug people went in and steal CC details or some other crap, get your f-ing facts straight.

This isnt the real reason , sony got a DDoS attack from a unknown hacker , end of story and no it wasnt annonymous ,