Hackers Target Payments in a New Attack, Sony Forced to Cancel Filming

In a new attack launched by the group of hackers calling themselves "Guardians of Peace," Sony Pictures was forced to cancel film shoots. This time, the hackers have crippled the studio's computer network that left it unable to process payments.

Following reports of filming suspension, Sony did not immediately reply to a request for comment, writes Fox News.

The "Guardians of Peace" first launched their attack late November and had since then wreaked havoc to the studio by leaking films online, including Annie, Mr. Turner and Fury. They have also released thousands of internal company documents including a document listing the salaries and bonuses of Sony Pictures staff.

It has also been a major cause of embarrassment for Sony when emails between top producers and executives disparaging major stars and even making racist jokes about President Barack Obama were leaked earlier this week.

An email exchange between Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures and Scott Rudin, who made Moneyball and No Country for Old Men, described Angelina Jolie as a "minimally talented spoilt brat" who possessed a "rampaging ego". Unflattering comments were also made about everyone from Tom Cruise to David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin and Adam Sandler.

Suspicions have been pointed to Pyongyang for launching the massive cyber attack in retaliation for a Sony film, "The Interview," which parodies its leader, Kim Jong Un.

In a U.S. Senate Hearing, Joseph Demarest, the assistant director of the FBI's cyber-division, said that methods used by the hackers would have breached the defenses of nine out of ten companies, The Telegraph reported.

According to security researchers, the attack would cost Sony Pictures £64 million to put right.