Sony boss Kazuo Harai has branded the recent ‘Interview’ cyber-attack as “vicious”. Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, he used his keynote speech to criticize the hackers whose actions led to the leaking of several high-profile films and sensitive information.
Sony Pictures was attacked by a hacker group calling itself The Guardians of Peace. It is thought the cyber-attack was designed to halt the release of ‘The Interview’, a comedy film which North Korea thought mocked Kim Jong-Un. ‘The Interview’ was eventually given an online release. Hirai told the media that he was proud of those who stood up against the hackers’ “extortionist” tactics.
Speaking just before his official speech, Hirai said “Both Sony, former employees and current employees were the victim of one of the most vicious and malicious cyber-attacks in recent history”.
Although the US has blamed North Korea for the cyber-attack, some tech experts have claimed that they may not have necessarily been behind the hack. ‘The Interview’ made around $15 million during the first three days of its distribution.
Hirai also said “I have to say that freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of association – those are very important lifelines for Sony and our entertainment business”.
Do you think ‘The Interview’ would have been as successful without the cyber-attack taking place? Let us know what you think below.