Microsoft Xbox Live and Sony PlayStation Network, the internet services video gamers use to play online, have been hit by connection failures, with the hackers Lizard Squad claiming responsibility.
A message on Xbox’s website says: “Hi Xbox members. Are you having a rough time signing in to Xbox Live? We’re working to get this figured out right away.
“Keep trying to sign in when you get a chance. We’re grateful for your patience, and we’ll be sure to loop you in on our progress in 30 minutes.”
The hacking group, which took credit for an attack on Sony earlier this year, said on its Twitter account that it was behind the attacks. The group said it would “stop hitting” the services if users called attention to the hack by retweeting its statements.
Thrusday’s incidents are part of a series of escalating attacks against Sony. This month, a group called Guardians of Peace claimed responsibility for hacking into the Tokyo-based company’s servers, destroying data, exposing Hollywood secrets, and forcing Sony’s movie studio to cancel the US theatre release of The Interview, a comedy about a fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Instead, Sony released the movie online and on the Xbox network in the US. Both hacking groups have threatened further disruptions.
