Sony removes the ability to third party software like Linux from the PS3. Most gamers were unaware or didn't care, but a select few were angry with the decision.
January 2, 2011
George Hotz, AKA GeoHotz(infamous hacker), jailbreaks the PS3 (firmware 3.55) allowing many programs to be downloaded onto the PS3 and for the console to do things it was not made to do. GeoHotz publishes this knowledge and instructions on his website and YouTube Channel.
January 11, 2011
Sony sues George Hotz for distributing Jailbreak software to the public and cites Mr. Hotz for promoting online piracy and allowing illegal copies of PS3 games to be played on Jailbroken PS3s.
April 2, 2011
Hacker group Anonymous begins "Operation Sony," in response of Sony's lawsuit vs. GeoHotz. The "Denial of Service" error messages begin. PS3 users are now becoming aware.
April 11, 2011
George Hotz takes down the info on his websites after Sony and he settle. Details are scarce.
April 13, 2011
Anonymous calls for a day of protest. Sit-ins at all Sony retail stores. Anonymous also warns Sony of a HUGE attack coming soon in a video message.
April 16-17, 2011
Hackers digitally break into the Playstation Network and the SOE(Sony Online Entertainment) servers. They steal personal data, European SOE credit card numbers, and debit card numbers.
April 19, 2011
Sony detects a PSN security breach but does not alert the public.
April 20, 2011
Sony shuts down the Playstation Network citing technical issues.
April 22, 2011
The news spreads across the web that Sony and the PSN were hacked. Anonymous declares it had nothing to do with the attack.
April 26, 2011
Sony calls in the FBI and states to the public that the PSN had been hacked.
May 1, 2011
Sony shuts down the SOE servers after discovering a data breach. Sony executives apologize for the outage.
May 2, 2011
Sony publicly states that the SOE servers were breached.
May 4, 2011
Sony Chairman Kaz Harai talks to Congress. He details that a file named "Anonymous" was found within the hacked data and the message "We are Legion..." (which is the hack group Anonymous' catch-phrase.)
Sony does not accuse Anonymous but does note that the PSN's security was weakened by GeoHotz and Anonymous' previous efforts.
May 5, 2011
A letter stating the Anonymous was not involved in the PSN attack reaches Sony. Anonymous says they are only after large and corrupt corporations and governments.
May 5, 2011
Sony releases a statement that the "New" PSN is being tested in it's "Final Stages" and should be back online within a few days.
May 6, 2011
PSN and SOE servers are still offline.
May 7, 2011
PSN and SOE servers are still offline.