After rebounding from a blunder-filled start to 2011, the PlayStation 3 network, as well as the buzz around the system (and the company) died down to the point where it was acceptable to be a PS3 owner once again.
However, if the mischievous Internet collective known as Anonymous has its way, the PlayStation Network (PSN) will once again be brought to its knees. Because of Sony’s support of the SOPA legislation, they are once again a target of the infamous hacking collective. Perhaps these two entities collaborated in order to get more coverage, seeing how the hubbub surrounding both parties, Sony and Anonymous, has been relatively quiet after a busy spring/summer.
While that’s about as ludicrous as it sounds, stranger things have happened. As for Anonymous’ message, here it is, in YouTube format:
In case you don’t want to listen to the computerized voice, the video’s YouTube page features a transcription of Anonymous’ latest intentions:
Hello, SONY.
We are Anonymous.It has come to the attention of the Anonymous activist community that you have chosen to stand by the Stop Online Piracy Act. This act will halt online businesses and restrict access to many sites for many users. Supporting SOPA is like trying to throw an entire company from off a bridge. Your support to the act is a signed death warrant to SONY Company and Associates. Therefore, yet again, we have decided to destroy your network. We will dismantle your phantom from the internet. Prepare to be extinguished. Justice will be swift, and it will be for the people, whether some like it or not. Sony, you have been warned.
To those doubting our powers. We’ve infiltrated the servers of Bank of America, The United States Department of Defense, The United Nations, and Lockheed Martin. In one day.
For their approval to SOPA, we have also declared that our fury be brought upon the following persons. Justin Bieber. Lady Gaga. Kim Kardashian. and Taylor Swift.
Operation Blackout, engaged.
Operation Mayhem, engaged.
Operation LulzXmas, engaged.We are Anonymous.
We are Legion.
We do not forgive.
We do not forget.
Supporters of SOPA, you should’ve expected us.
There are even instructions listed for those of you who’d like to help Anonymous takedown the PSN:
How to join the attack:
1) Download NetTalk6.exe
2) Connect to this IP address: irc.anonops.li OR ipv6.anonops.li
3) TYPE IN: /join #opsony
It’s surprising that Sony hasn’t asked YouTube to pull the video, considering the directions in the description. Granted, Anonymous could broadcast these instructions over many different web mediums, but the fact remains, the attack directions could be inferred as inciting others to act in a destructive manner.