PlayStation Network breach is Sony's shameful nadir

Another week, another major hack. It seems these things go in cycles. There was a major breach at email provider Epsilon earlier this month. But the recent attack on the PlayStation Network is unprecedented, in many ways. And most of it does not have to do with gamers.

First, with more than 70 million users affected, the PlayStation Network breach could potentially be the biggest identity theft event in history.

Second, and I think more egregious, is the incredibly slow response from Sony. As of this writing, the breach is a week old and the network is still down and could be for another week.

Third, Sony, a noted technology vendor, visionary and pioneer (and also perpetrator of the infamous CD digital rights management scandal a few years ago) should be ashamed of the scope of exposure to its network.

But there is a ray of hope. For the millions out there who are addicted to the PSN multiplayer versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops and the new craze, Portal2, as my two sons are, there is a rare opportunity for a respite from the virtual world and a chance to face reality.

Time for Sony to do the same.