Updated: PlayStation Network back online: Sony restores full service

PlayStation Network access has been fully resumed, Sony has announced.

The online service underwent a period of unannounced downtime earlier this evening, with no reason provided for its absence.

"The PSN restoration is now complete and you should all be able to sign in. Again, sincere apologies for the inconvenience," said a spokesperson.

PlayStation Network went offline last week for scheduled maintenance, which was thought to be related to heightened security measures.

The firm recently hired former Homeland Security chief Philip Reitinger to aid it in its battle against hackers.

Sony CEO Howard Stringer recently claimed that the PlayStation Network is "better and more secure than ever".