Sony Updates PS3 Security Following Console 'Jailbreak'

Sony Computer Entertainment's U.S. and European divisions both said that a new PlayStation 3 firmware update arrived on Tuesday, a download that will address certain console security concerns. PS3 software update version 3.42 is a 168MB download that when installed will patch the console to "address security vulnerability in the system software," according to PlayStation's official European blog. John Koller, director of hardware marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America said on the official U.S. PlayStation blog the update will include unspecified "additional security features." The firmware update comes shortly after the August reveal of a fully-functional PS3 USB modchip -- dubbed "PS Jailbreak" -- that purportedly allows users to play "backups," or copied versions, of disc-based PS3 games, a situation that opens the door for software piracy on the console. Shortly after a video demonstration of the modchip surfaced on the web, the Australian federal court granted Sony a temporary injunction against three Australian distributors that would stop them from further importing or selling the devices. On Friday, a judge extended the temporary injunction from the end of August until "further ordered," a separate report said on the International Business Times. After the initial court order, creators of an open source code called PSGroove released their code onto the web. While PSGroove in its native form reportedly allows for playing homebrew, unlicensed games on PS3, hackers quickly modified the code to allow users to play illegal copies of games, according to a Tuesday BBC report. But the new 3.42 update apparently solves the issue -- at least for now. Users can still use the hacks if they don't update their consoles, but if they don't, they also won't have access to PlayStation Network features such as online multiplayer and further system updates. On PlayStation's blogs, some commenters showed resentment towards Sony for the added measure, while others welcomed the move, believing it would reduce in-game cheaters. Sony made another notable PS3 security move earlier this year when it removed the console's "Other OS" feature, which previously allowed users to install on the console the open source Linux operating system.