Sony offering free identity theft protection service to US customers

Sony has announced it will provide free AllClear ID Plus protection to customers through an agreement with identity security firm Debix.

In a post on the US PS Blog, SCE America's Patrick Seybold said the complementary service will only be available to US PlayStation Network and Qriocity members, but that the company is looking into similar offers for international territories.

12 months free access to the service will be provided, with activation emails being distributed beginning this week. Users will have until June 18 to redeem the offer. Packages offered through Debix's website cost $9.95 per month.

The service monitors the web for user detail leaks, including criminal and law enforcement sources, access to experts in case of identity theft, and up to $1 million in insurance per user for identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages for one year following identity compromise.

Details on how to sign up and activate the service will be included in offer emails and associated materials.

Sony announced the compromise of user's personal data on April 26, following an external intrusion of April 16.