Sony hits back at PS3 hackers with lifetime PSN ban

Sony is hitting back at PlayStation 3 hackers by issuing lifetime bans from PlayStation Network following a recent security exploit last month.

According to a statement put forth by the company, users found to be using unauthorized or pirated software will have their PSN access permanently terminated.

"Violation of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 system invalidates the consumer's right to access that system. Consumers running unauthorized or pirated software may have their access to the PlayStation Network and access to Sony Entertainment Network services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently," reads the post.

"To avoid permanent termination, consumers must immediately cease using and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems."

In late October it was revealed hackers released one of the cryptographic keys that forms the core of PlayStation 3's security system. The released key allows users to decrypt security updates and bypass the console's firmware, opening up the potential for hackers to circumvent future security updates.

This follows a series of hacking attempts on the console, including PSJailbreak, a USB stick that allowed users to use the PlayStation 3 for unauthorized purposes, and the widely publicized hack by George "GeoHotz" Hotz who released a key that allowed the console to run unauthorized programs.