Sony Hackers Publicize Private Celeb Salaries, Leaks Movies Including " Fury" and "Annie"

Hollywood stars including Sylvester Stallone, Judd Apatow and Rebel Wilson have become victims of Sony Pictures hack.

Hackers who broke into Sony's computers during November last week, released personal information including social security numbers and contract details of 47,000 former and present employees of the organization. The data, which is being shared on several websites and file-sharing networks, also contain addresses and birth dates which could lead to identity frauds, PC Magazine reported.

Some of Sony's leaked data was reviewed by analysis firm Identity Finder. The firm said the data contained repetitive information including 1.1 million social security numbers. Sony chief executive Michael Lynton's SSN was found 93 times, according to Wall Street Journal. Multiple copies of the information could make prevention of misuse, difficult.  

Identity Finder also found the data stored in unencrypted excel files without protection. Meanwhile, investigators, including federal agencies and Sony hired Firm Eye, are analysing the malware used by hackers.

Media reports have suggested that investigators have seen a North Korean hand behind the cyberattack though Sony itself has not named Pyongyang. The malware is similar to what was used against South Korea last year. Investigators also found that it was executed on Korean language machines during Korean work hours, and hence indicate North Korea's involvement. Pyongyang on its part, has denied the allegations.

A group that calls itself Guardians of Peace owned up the attack in an email, describing its move as payback for Sony's employee restructuring moves, which allegedly have been discriminatory.

According to TIME, another reason why investigators suspect North Korea's hand is Sony's yet-to-be released movie Interview, a comedy that features a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.