Sony has improved account security on two of its legacy machines through new firmware updates deployed today. For PlayStation 3, we're looking at update 4.89 while PS Vita is now on version 3.74. Essentially, the two console patches remove the ability to create a PSN account on the systems themselves, now requiring a smartphone or a PC to set one up. This introduces two-factor authentication as a standard on PS Vita at least.
According to Planète Vita, the patch notes for both updates read as follows:
- Signing in to PlayStation Network now requires two-factor authentication for better account protection.
- Account creation for PlayStation Network and certain account management functions are no longer available on the console. Use your PC or mobile browser to use account management features with improved performance, speed, and security.
In terms of the removal of account management settings, PS Vita users are reporting code redemption now points you to an external website through either a QR code or a standard URL. The same goes for accessing general billing information. Signing in to PS3 and PS Vita systems will now also require device passwords.
While creating a PSN account on PS3 and PS Vita is no longer possible, you'll still be able to log into existing ones as well as set up profiles externally (either through a PS5, PS4 or Sony's website).
[source resetera.com, via planetevita.fr]
Comments 24
Uhh that’s nice.
That's a good compromise between security and being able to use a classic device.
This hopefully doesnt affect CFW on the Vita
Imma have to load my PS3 next week to play some games.
Not turned it on in 2 years now, dreading the updates 😂
I have HEN on my PS3 and occasionally sign in to synch trophies. Does this mean I can't synch them anymore?
@IonMagi God I hope not. I literally bought a Vita this weekend and it was supposed to arrive yesterday but it didn't. I hope I can still mod it without issue
@Lem1697 I at least read on Twitter that spoofing the Software to 3.74 lets you still use the Store without Updating. 3ds and WiiU had multiple Updates in the last years and they didnt affect the CFW so Im hopeful that it also doesnt matter for the Vita
This isnt to strengthen security,, its to make using a ps3 even more difficult to try and force everyone to move on. Disgraceful so much for caring about playstation legacy
Oh look! A firmware for a dead system! So glad you kept up the support for Vita while all those Fab indy games went to Switch!
...I'm not bitter.
Though only select ps3 titles will have streaming support,(in select regions,only Deluxe available in mine),in the revised PS Plus,I suspect a PS3/Vita store sunset will happen by year's end if the "new" ps plus takes off as Sony hopes it will.🤔
Whilst there's no Vita game emulation with the Permium/Deluxe tier,there's no reason select titles that don't use the full functionality can't be added/ cycled in over time.
I'd rather buy titles,(eg: Suikoden 1 & 2,Alundra, Blood Omen Legacy of Kain,Maximo etc.),but the premium subscription idea ala Nintendo is clearly seen as a viable means to cover the costs of legacy game support of older gens by upper management.
@Lem1697 I can personally vouch that my 3.60 spoofed to 3.74 still works on the PS Store and PSN. Modding a vita on the latest firmware is still possible, check the vitahacks subreddit for the latest method. Current tools still work but just need to be updated to recognise 3.74 as the latest firmware. Once you've modded it simply downgrade to 3.60 (the golden firmware) and spoof to the latest in order to still go online and get trophies.
How about an ALLM toggle for ps5 while your at it Sony.
I played my PS3 games with original disc and original machine without making account so I think I will be fine.
@Lolcat Thanks man, I will give it a look once my Vita gets here
@Lem1697 I've got it on my PS3 aswell but never sync trophies because I don't want my account to get banned
@Would_you_kindly as long as you don’t have HEN running and don’t launch any homebrew, you won’t get banned, but I get it
I haven't connected my Vita to the internet since it was reported that people were losing access to their digital PS1 games. Has that been fixed yet?
Happy to see they're still supporting both devices with updates!
new firmwares a bit annoying as cant log in on ps3 now with my account password have to generate a device password from the website for every ps3
I think it’s a win. Why bother updating two systems when your endgame is to shut them down. It’s a security measure. Most people don’t create their PSN account on the vita anymore anyways. They already did that on their PS4 or PS5 or older PS systems.
@Resi32 i think it's more so they can charge people for an inferior PS3 experience. The more duff & money grabbing decisions by Ryan et al, the more I come to the conclusion that they've lost the pre-PS4 source code down the back of the sofa...
@trev666 not updated to the new one yet but do you have to log in to an external app/website every time you try and boot up the PS3 or Vita??
@sanderson72 Just checked on both systems and as long as you check the tick boxes for remember password and automatic sign-in then you should be fine.
@BadPlayerOne I agree, I’m taking this as a win, or at least a stay of execution on the storefronts on both devices. If they were closing them soon I don’t think Sony would have bothered to take this step.
@sanderson72 Only the one time - you input the new password provided by Sony for the device and check the box to remember the new password. At least, that’s how it’s been working for me on my PS3 and Vita.
Tap here to load 24 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...