Playstation Network and Sony Online Service Restoration
Sony has begun a phased restoration of PSN and Sony Online Entertainment services meaning that some of you will be able to get online and do a firmware update to get back up and running with parts of the networks. 
So really three things have been announced in the last 24-36 hours.
PS3 System Software Update
A new PS3 system software update that requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The update (v3.61) is mandatory and is available now.
If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN. This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.
Kazuo Hirai Announces PSN Back Online
Play On – PSN Restoration Begins Now
As covered in the post from earlier today, you can now update the firmware on your PS3 and change your password. Kazuo Hirai just announced that we have begun the phased restoration by region of some of the services, starting with online multiplayer functionality.
Please note that these services will take a bit of time to be turned on and rolled out to the whole country. The process has begun and some states are being turned on now, so please be patient as we reach your city and state. We’ll be updating the map below as service comes online in individual states. It will take several hours to restore PSN throughout the entire country, so please keep checking back for the latest updates. In the meantime, now’s a great time to get your PS3’s firmware updated, which is required to get online.
As you can see, North America is Up and running:
Notice: If your state is illuminated but your service has not yet been restored, please be patient – it can take a little while for the servers to populate fully.
But what about Europe?!
Nothing as cool as the map above. Nick Caplin simply stated (in a blog post similar to the US one)
Please note that these services will take a bit of time to be turned on and rolled out to the whole region. The process has begun and some countries are being turned on now, so please be patient as we reach you.
In the meantime, now’s a great time to get your PS3′s firmware updated and change your password, both of which are required to get online.
Update: the phased restoration of certain PSN services has begun. We’ll let you know as each territory goes online via @PlayStationEU on twitter, at which point you will be able change your PSN password.
This was just posted on their Twitter:
Clarification: you can download system software 3.61 now and you will be able to change your password when PSN is restored in your country.
So quit reading and get to it!
Sony Online Update
For those involved in the MMO scene, here’s the status of Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced today that restoration of its game services will begin today. The phased restoration will include the return of nearly all of SOE’s portfolio of online games, the reinstatement of SOE’s game forums and websites, and added functionality to require players to reset their passwords.
SOE made enhancements to overall data security as well, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring, performing new penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption.
SOE will also be offering its customers a "Welcome Back" program that includes special game content and services to all registered Station Account holders. As part of this program, players will receive 30 days of additional game time plus one day for each day SOE’s services were down. The details of this program are available at http://www.soe.com/securityupdate/welcomeback/.
For more information about the SOE network intrusion and restoration, please visit http://www.soe.com/securityupdate.
