In the aftermath of a massive security breach that exposed millions of customers’ credit card numbers and other personal data, Sony has announced that it will begin returning some of its services online as soon as this week.


Although details are still uncertain, Sony is expected to open up the network gradually by region in order to assure the stability of the new security measures that have been put in place to protect personal information. However, a priority has been placed on reinstating multiplayer gaming as quickly as possible. Other features, such as the ability to buy games online, will remain offline for a while longer.


In the attempt to assuage widespread anger, Sony is offering a “Welcome Back” customer appreciation program. This will include free entertainment downloads as well as a free, temporary membership to the PlayStation Plus service.

As of now, Sony does not know the identity of the hackers or their intended purpose in attacking the system. Sony is continuing to claim that there is no evidence that the credit card information was stolen from their databases, given that the hackers would need the key to break their encryption algorithm. However, the FBI and other federal authorities have been brought in to help in the investigation.