Just yesterday Sony released a firmware update for their PS3 console which was reported to have banned Call of Duty: Black Ops hackers from the Playstation Network. Today, the encryption has been broken and signing keys have been published by one hacker after noticing the update was available.
Console hacker Yourness Alaoui, more commonly known to the hacking scene as KaKaRoToKs, posted to his Twitter that he decrypted Sony"s most recent update. Publishing 3.56"s signing keys on github opens the door for new custom firmware to be developed which will mimic the update and allow all of those with hacked PS3s back on the Playstation Network.
The firmware was released with the message "adds a security patch," but really was an effort to rid hackers from online services. KaKaRoToKS was one of the first behind 3.55 custom firmwares, and now probably is working on new versions for 3.56.
Sony tried to eradicate hackers from their console earlier this month by suing hacker GeoHot and coders part of the team "fail0verflow" by successfully getting a temporary restraining order against them. KaKaRoToKs and others are picking up where the previous left off, and at a fast rate showing Sony that no matter who they ban, there will always be one more out there to continue the work.
Sony"s lawsuit only seems to have inspired a new generation of hackers instead of putting the matter to rest, and with firmware 3.56 being hacked so quickly, perhaps should also look into improving their own safety measures.