SCEE’s head of communications Nick Caplin has confirmed via the official EU PlayStation Blog that the Sony PlayStation Network and Qriocity services will be going back online this week along with a few added security protocols.

No official date has been set, however here are a list of the initial phase of services going back online:

• Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) systems
• This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
• Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
• Access to account management and password reset
• Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
• PlayStation Home
• Friends List
• Chat Functionality

Also, Sony has added a few security precautions implementing additional firewalls and monitoring programs.

• Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
• Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
• Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
• Implementation of additional firewalls

As reported earlier today, Sony will be providing PSN users a few perks as part of a “Welcome Back” program, encouraging users to forgive Sony for the downtime. These gifts include, a one month use of PlayStation Plus, an unspecified game download for each territory, and a 30 day trial of the service Qriocity. Stay tuned for more details.