You don’t expect hackers, in the ordinary case, to turn to threats like terrorists, but that is what is there for Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE). The company’s entertainment unit suffered a major data breach and some sensitive data stolen from the company are still being leaked. However, on top of the data leaks, which are also embarrassing to the company, has come terror threats. The threats are directed to theaters that show the famous but somehow offensive film, The Interview.
Extortionist hackers
It is believed that it is the hate of The Interview by some elements that inspired that attacks on the system of Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE). Huge amounts of data were reportedly stolen in the massive data breach. It also emerged that the hackers sought monetary payment from Sony executives to shelve the attacks. However, they went on and made good their threats when monetary compensation that they sought didn’t come.
Threat to movie theaters
In the latest case, the hackers have turned to threatening movie theaters that show The Interview. They have cited that the scenes at the theaters that ignore their warnings would be like that seen during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York. According to media sources, Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) has reportedly asked theaters not to show The Interview if they are worried by the threats. It is also reported that the Department of Homeland Security has taken note of the threat and is currently analyzing it.
The hackers who breached the system of Sony Pictures call themselves “Guardians of Peace” (GOP) but now peace is lacks in their terror-like threats to movie theaters. GOP intends to continue leaking information stolen from Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) and they have even called them ‘Christmas gifts’. The group is said to have about 8,000 e-mails stolen from the accounts of Sony Entertainment CEO, Michael Lynton.
Publicity amid adversity
The Interview continues to gain publicity even in the face of apparent adversity. The film is about a plot to assassinate the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. According to the executives at Sony Pictures, the film could make a major box-office hit, especially in North America. Additionally, other surveys have cited that the showing of the film could fetch $30 million in the first four days of showing. The making of the film cost $44 million.
