Sony says 'welcome back' to PlayStation Network users with free month of PlayStation Plus

The recent, massive security breach of Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity services likely didn't make the company any friends (and certainly cost it a few customers.) But Sony is trying to make good with the 77 million registered users of its services, announcing at a press conference this weekend its worldwide "Welcome Back" program.

Under the program, Sony will give current PlayStation Network users a free month of PlayStation Plus, the enhanced version of PlayStation Network. Sony currently prices the service at $49 a year, and $17 for three months.

Sony will also make certain PlayStation entertainment content free to users, though said specific plans would vary by region.

Set for this week, Sony says that the restoration of its PlayStation Network and Qriocity services will come with significantly improved server security, lest a similar attack befall the services again. As a part of improvements, Sony will force customers to upgrade their PlayStation consoles to a new firmware version. Customers will also be obliged to change their passwords, a sensical move considering that that their current passwords are likely in the hands of eager evil-doers.

Fortunately, Sony is repeating its claim that customer credit card information wasn't stolen, but the company recommends that users monitor their credit card accounts anyway.