Sony released its latest version of PlayStation 3 firmware. The new 3.42 release features a "patch... added to address security vulnerability in the system software".

Those users who fear that the new system software will indeed prevent the USB dongle may just discard the update. But in this case they won’t ever access PlayStation Network.

“Do not perform updates using any data other than the official update data provided by Sony Computer Entertainment over a network or on disc media, and do not perform updates by methods other than those described in the product documentation or in this site. If an update is performed using data from another source, by another method, or with a PS3 system that has been altered or modified in any way, the PS3 system may not operate properly and may not be able to install the official update data. Any of these actions may void the PS3 system warranty and affect your ability to obtain warranty services and repair services from Sony Computer Entertainment,” the company noted in a post.