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Don’t Believe the Hype – The Sony Snowball

By Todd Weller, VP, Corporate Development, Hexis Cyber Solutions

Sony Corp. is not having a great year. Over the past few weeks, we’ve learned that Sony
Pictures Entertainment suffered a cyberattack that brought down the company’s corporate email
systems.

Last week, we learned that they fell victim to another attack – a major hacking breach that
exposed over 25 gigabytes of sensitive data on tens of thousands of employees at the
company, including Social Security numbers, medical and salary information.

Earlier in the year, we also learned that Sony’s network operations were disrupted for almost a
week’s worth of time and that unreleased films from the industry giant were leaked online.

It was disclosed that Sony Corp’s PlayStation Network and Sony Entertainment Network had
been disrupted by hackers via a DDoS attack. You can read an overview of the hack here.

Following this turbulent series of events, many have pointed a finger at North Korea, citing that
their motive lies behind the release of a Sony-produced film, “The Interview,” featuring Seth
Rogen and James Franco.

The comedy follows two media workers who are asked to assassinate the leader of North
Korea, Kim Jong-Un.

While it’s easy to draw parallels between Sony’s hacking incidents and the releasing of this film,
we as security experts must warn the general population, “Don’t Believe the Hype” – not yet, at
least.

While it may be easier to lay the blame on an organization or country that certainly appears as
though it fits the criteria of the perpetrator, the general population as a whole should take a step
back and allow those investigating the details of the attack to do their jobs.
Instead of playing the blame game, perhaps what we as an industry should do is recognize that
there is in fact a bigger problem at hand.

Until recently, organized cyber criminals were targeting industries that played major roles in the
way our country is run – government, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, etc.

However, as of just a few weeks ago, it appears as though the entertainment industry is at risk
now, too.

In today’s cyber battlefield, it’s clear that no one is untouchable. Tighten up your security
initiatives and know that the best offense is a strong defense.

15 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – December 2014 Edition
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