Sony blocks PS3 USB hack exploits with new firmware update

Everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before Sony pushed out a new firmware update to block the exploit that allowed the PSJailbreak and PSGroove hacks to function. Apparently, that time has arrived.

Reports are beginning to surface on the internet that Sony has begun to push out firmware version 3.42 to all online users. These reports have also confirmed that all of the new exploits are no longer functioning.

In addition to blocking PSJailbreak and PSGroove exploits, this new firmware rollout also disables functionality for the new PSFreedom mod that worked through source code installed on a Linux-based smartphone attached to the console.

It appears that, since Sony has labled firmware 3.42 as a mandatory update, the only way to avoid losing homebrew functionality is to refuse the update, which will, unfortunately, sacrifice your PlayStation Network access.

There’s no word on what other, if any, changes the new firmware makes to the PS3. My guess is that Sony is pushing out this release specifically to block the functionality of these exploits, however with their track record regarding firmware surprises, there is certainly a chance that other changes could be discovered by users.

The question now is how quickly, or even if, the hacking community can figure out how to overcome this challenge and restore homebrew functionality? We’ll  have to wait and see just how well Sony has managed to lock down the PS3 this time.