Hackers Looking to Shut Down PS4s Remotely -- Security Today

Hackers Looking to Shut Down PS4s Remotely

Numerous PlayStation 4 users reported that a PlayStation Network message exploit is crashing their consoles, requiring a factory reset in order to function again.

By Jessica Davis
Oct 16, 2018

Numerous PlayStation 4 users reported that a PlayStation Network message exploit is crashing their consoles, requiring a factory reset in order to function again.

The attack seems similar to message attacks seen on multiple mobile platforms, where a message containing a string of characters can shut down the unit’s hardware. Users have reported that deleting any strange messages isn’t enough to fix the problem—they have to either rebuild the database in Safe Mode or do a factory reset of the console.

The best way to avoid opening or triggering the message exploit is to prevent it altogether by updating the messages and messaging preferences from a web browser or the PlayStation app. Users should change the Personal Info/Messages setting to receive messages from friends only or from no one.

Some users have said that a factory reset of the device might erase the rogue message and fix the problem, but others said this did not work and suggested using the PlayStation mobile app or desktop internet to log in and delete the message.

As of press time, Sony has not commented on the vulnerability.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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