It seems that this news officially elevates the PSN crisis from "video game network hack" to "potential act of terrorism," as the investigation has evolved from a class action lawsuit to a full-blown federal investigation. It was already unusual (but not unheard of) for the F.B.I. to get involved, but Homeland Security's inclusion in the investigation -- something generally limited to government issues -- adds a new layer of severity to the situation. , Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team (or CERT) could potentially aid Sony in getting to the bottom of the data leak, as well as setting up security measure that could safeguard against further attacks.

"The Department of Homeland Security is aware of the recent cyber intrusion to Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity music service," DHS spokesman Chris Ortman told government technology site NextGov. "DHS' U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team [CERT] is working with law enforcement, international partners and Sony to assess the situation."

[Source: Gamasutra via ]