Sony PlayStation website hit by Lizard Squad hackers in latest assault on firm

More security woes for electronics and entertainment firm

A hacker group calling itself Lizard Squad has taken parts of Sony's PlayStation network offine. The group has a reputation for attacking console firms and their titles.

Sony is currently tackling an assault on its Pictures business in the US, which has resulted in the leak of sensitive documents and personal information and loss of control over a number of social media accounts.

The PlayStation attack appears to be a separate assault, and has been claimed by the Lizard Squad in a Twitter post.

Sony has admitted to a problem, and told its gaming community in a Twitter post that it is looking into the attack and aiming to fix it as soon as possible.

"PSN update: we are aware of the issues some users are experiencing, and are working to address them," it said. "We'll keep you updated."

The PlayStation Store page is currently not providing a full service, and Sony has a rather unusual statement on the page, saying: "Page not found!" It's not you. It's the internet's fault."

The Lizard Squad, which recently disrupted a Sony executive and a scheduled flight, has warned that the attack on Sony is the first of many that should be expected through December. It is also threatening to attack the Xbox network.

Sony Pictures is still reeling from the first attack which, according to some security experts, may have been sponsored by the North Korean government. The hack has seen a number of documents, passwords and films released.