Hackers have stolen digital copies of Sony films, including a few that have not even been released yet.
Hackers believed to belong to a group called 'Guardians of Peace' hacked in and took control of computers at Sony Pictures Entertainment just days before Thanksgiving.
The hack forced Sony to shut down computer systems, leaving staff at Sony Pictures to use pen and paper while the company investigates how their system was compromised. Sony has since hired cybersecurity firm Mandiant to investigate the breach and to restore services.
Of more immediate concern for Sony are digital copies of films that hackers apparently managed to retrieve from the hacked servers. Copies of the film Brad Pitt WWII action flick 'Fury', yet to be released on disc, was leaked to torrent sites, apparently digital copies of award season screeners that may have been stored on Sony's servers. Other leaked films include "Annie," "Still Alice," "Mr. Turner" and "To Write Love on Her Arms", all of which have yet to receive a general release in cinemas.
Other stolen data include confidential documents, passwords, and even scanned copies of passports belonging to Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz.
The hacking group, using the hashtag #GOP, plans to leak more data unless undisclosed demands were met.
Sony is also investigating whether the hack may have been instigated by supporters of North Korea, due to the imminent release of the film 'The Interview', a comedy which depicts an attempted assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
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