Sony boss Stringer apologises for massive data breach

Sony chairman, chief executive and president Howard Stringer has finally apologised for the hacking attack which may have exposed the details of up to 100 milion customers, as online collective Anonymous reiterated that it was not to blame.

Stringer said in an open letter to Sony customers that there is still "no confirmed evidence" that any credit card or personal details have been actively used by the hackers, and that Sony is providing ‘AllClear ID Plus' identity theft protection for all US customers, with further announcements to come for international customers.

The company will also offer a ‘Welcome Back' package, including a month of free PlayStation Plus membership for all PSN customers and an extension of subscriptions for PlayStation Plus and Music Unlimited customers to make up for the time the service has been down.

"As a company we - and I - apologise for the inconvenience and concern caused by this attack. Under the leadership of Kazuo Hirai, we have teams working around the clock and around the world to restore your access to those services as quickly, and as safely, as possible," he said.

"In the last few months, Sony has faced a terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. But now we are facing a very man-made event - a criminal attack on us and on you - and we are working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies around the world to apprehend those responsible."

Stringer's response came as criticism of his continued silence grew, and he used the letter to try to diffuse customer anger at being kept in the dark for so long when the incident was first discovered.