Sony to bring back PSN this week, already running in Japan?

Andre Yoskowitz
2 May 2011 1:20

Sony announced earlier today that they will slowly be bringing back the PlayStation Network and Qriocity over the next week, and some unconfirmed reports already have the service up-and-running in Japan.
The company will also be ramping up security on the network in response to the largest security breach in the company's history, with personal info (and possibly but not likely credit card info) stolen from 77 million accounts.
Finally, Sony says they will be setting up a new customer appreciation program to thank everyone for waiting almost two weeks for PSN to come back up.
Sony says:

Third-party experts have conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. With these measures in place, SCE and SNEI plan to start a phased rollout by region of the services shortly.

The new security features include:

-Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
-Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
-Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
-Implementation of additional firewalls

Sony also says it is still working with the FBI to look into the attack and prosecute those responsible.
For the "Welcome Back" program, Sony will be offering some "entertainment content" for free and a free 30-day subscription to the premium PlayStation Plus.