Sony is getting tough on PS3 hackers following new custom firmware doing the rounds, threatening lifetime PSN bans for those involved.

The latest Sony consumer alert says it all.

"Unauthorized software for the PlayStation 3 system was recently released by hackers," the update reads.

"Use of such software violates the terms of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System and the Terms of Services and User Agreement for the PlayStation Network/Sony Entertainment Network and its Community Code of Conduct provisions.

"Violation of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation3 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. To avoid permanent termination, consumers must immediately cease using and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems."

Sony are doubtlessly worried about the discovery and distribution of LV0 decryption keys that could well make battling custom firmware extremely difficult. That said, we doubt that most PS3 owners running custom firmware will connect to the PlayStation Network in the first place...