Sony admits credit card details may have been stolen in PlayStation hack

Sony has admitted its customers' personal details have been stolen by an 'unathorised person', following a cyber attack on its online gaming service.

The firm has suspended the service while it investigates the breach, and has brought in external security experts to help it work out exactly what data has been compromised.

In a statement on its PlayStation blog, Sony's head of communications for Europe, Nick Caplin, gave details of the information that had been breached.

"Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe an unauthorised person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address, country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity passwords and login, and handle/PSN online ID."

He added that it was impossible to rule out the possibility that credit card details were also obtained by hackers. He also warned customers to be on the lookout for scam calls and emails now that their personal data has been breached.

David Emm, researcher for internet security specialists Kaspersky, recommended that users of Sony's gaming services be vigilant about possible scams.

"Monitor your bank accounts carefully for signs that your banking details may have been compromised, and contact your bank about anything that looks suspicious."