In a shocking turn of events, a group of cybercriminals infiltrated Sony’s game studio, Insomniac Games, and threatened to disclose over a terabyte of classified data unless a substantial ransom of 50 Bitcoin (equivalent to $2 million at the time) was paid within a week. The hackers promptly put the files up for auction, but only a small fraction, about 2%, of the leaked data seems to have been sold, as per a report from CyberDaily.
The remaining 98% of the data from Insomniac has now been made public, revealing a treasure trove of information. This includes files related to the studio’s Spider-Man 2 game, a tripartite X-Men contract between Sony and Marvel signed in 2021, and personal employee documents such as I-9 forms and passport scans.
The 2021 contract disclosed that Insomniac’s forthcoming Wolverine game was scheduled to be released before September 2025. The subsequent two games are planned to be launched before December 2029 and December 2033, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a type of digital currency, also known as cryptocurrency, that operates independently of a central bank. It was introduced in 2009 by an unknown person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. Transactions are made with no middlemen, meaning, no banks.
What is a ransomware attack?
A ransomware attack is a type of cyberattack where hackers infiltrate a computer system and encrypt the data, making it inaccessible. The hackers then demand a ransom, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, to decrypt the data.
Who are Insomniac Games?
Insomniac Games is an American video game developer based in Burbank, California. It was founded in 1994 and is known for developing several successful video game franchises, including Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Spider-Man.
What is the significance of the leaked contract between Sony and Marvel?
The leaked contract reveals the planned release dates for upcoming games, which is valuable information for competitors and fans. It also shows the strategic partnership between Sony and Marvel in developing these games.
Glossary of Terms
Bitcoin: A decentralized digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator, that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.
Ransomware: A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
Insomniac Games: An American video game developer known for creating popular game franchises.
Sony: A Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation known for its wide range of consumer and professional electronics, gaming, entertainment, and financial services.
Marvel: An American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films, independently produced by Marvel Studios and based on characters that appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
