On April 26th 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment admitted a data breach of a very large proportion.  Sony has admitted that all personal user data, including name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address, country of residence, and your PlayStation Network username and password, have been stolen.  Sony has stated that it is possible that credit card information they have on file was also stolen.

Steps to take if you are a PS3 owner:

1. If you have a debit card tied to your PlayStation account, contact your bank immediately.  You will need to have a new card issued.  Debit cards are just a safe as credit cards but the money is immediately pulled from your account and it will take a call to the bank to have the money refunded.
2. If you have a credit card on your PlayStation account you may want to have a new card issued.  While in general you would not be responsible for fraudulent charges, some people are not comfortable with a ‘wait and see’ approach.  For peace of mind it’s not a bad idea to have a new card issued.
3. You should change the password on your email account associated with your Sony PlayStation Network.  If you use the same password elsewhere online, you should change every instance. Ideally, you should employ different passwords on every secure site you use.
4. Since the security question/answer you have on file with Sony PlayStation Network has been compromised, it’s best not to use that question/answer in the future.  If you currently utilize the same security question/answer for other accounts online, consider changing them.
5. Be aware of an increase in email, telephone and postal scams asking for your personal information.  Sony WILL NOT call or email you and ask you for any personal information.

Give us a call here in the office if you have any questions.  609.487.9100

-Team Ground Swell

Business trends for 2011, from one of the most respected business consultants in the world, Alan Weiss.

Business and Development Trends for 2011

“Technology will move from implementation alternative to strategic factor. That is, technological potential will determine products, services, and relationships, and not merely serve as after-the-fact routes for them.”

This WSJ article shows prices of computers have reversed the trend and increased in price over the last year. An industry insider says no $99 laptops anytime soon.

All this data shows is the average consumer is willing to pay a little more this year than in 2009. In addition, the market will be changing with Google’s Chrome OS competing against Mac and PC. This will reduce costs further and lower hardware requirements.

I’d love a $99 MacBook Air!

Link to the WSJ Article:

Prices of computers are rising

Earn an iPad or $500 by referring a business to Ground Swell.

It’s easy! Just refer a business to Ground Swell and if they sign a ‘Complete Support’ agreement, then you get your choice of either an iPad or $500! Here are the qualifications:

1. Must be a business with at least 5 PC’s
2. You must call them first and make sure that it is okay for us to contact them.

If they sign up, you get the bonus.