If you are one of the millions of PSN users who suffered during the 2011 cyber attacks, you can now stake your claim in the $15 million settlement. The outage was one of the biggest cyber security attacks in history and caused Sony online services to be out for several weeks.
Not long after the attacks took place, lawsuits against Sony were filed for failing to prevent the attacks from happening. Though some of the lawsuits were dismissed, Sony eventually came to a settlement last June. Originally a “Welcome Back” program was instated to help ease over tensions from the outage with two free select titles, video rentals, and PlayStation Plus membership or PS Plus extensions. Those who were not able to take part of the program now have a chance to file a new claim.
If you were a PlayStation Network, Qriocity, or Sony Online Entertainment Account holder before May 15, 2011, then you are eligible to file a claim. There are several different options to choose from, for PSN members, such as claiming a wallet balance payment, selecting a free game, choosing themes, and signing up for PlayStation Plus. In order to file for a wallet balance payment, you must have used your account between Jan. 1, 2011 and May 14, 2011. Please note though, if you choose this option any of the mentioned accounts during the specified time frame will be deactivated, so please consider carefully. Members who already took part of the “Welcome Back” program can choose between one of the select free games, three themes, and PlayStation Plus membership if you are not already subscribed. Those who did not take part of the “Welcome Back” program can select up to one or two free games, three to six themes, and three to six months of PlayStation Plus membership. Please read option rules carefully because you can combine two out of the three options but will be unable to choose the maximum amount of games or themes.
Qriocity Account holders are able to choose one month of free unlimited music services. If you had a PlayStation Network account before May 14, 2011 you are not eligible for this service, but are still eligible for services mentioned in the above paragraph for PSN members. But if you opened a PSN account on or after May 15, 2011 as well as having a Qriocity account, you are still eligible for your Qriocity music benefit.
For Sony Online Entertainment Account Holders, you can choose either a wallet balance payment or SOE benefit. When choosing the wallet balance payment, you must have had an account from Jan. 1, 2011 and May 14, 2011 that was not in use after June 13, 2014. Just like the PlayStation Network, if you choose the wallet balance payment any and all mentioned account names will be deactivated, so choose carefully. If you decide to go the SOE benefit, then you will receive $4.50 Station Cash or 450 units in your SOE account, to use on Station Cash services or products.
While I highlighted most of the benefits affected users can receive, I strongly urge you to read over claim forms before submitting them online or through mail. To file a claim please visit the PSN-SOE settlement website.