Take The Side Of Sony Pictures Or A Hacker And Answer ✓ Solved

Take The Side Of Either Sony Pictures Or A Hacker And Answer The Corre

Take the side of either Sony Pictures or a hacker and answer the corresponding discussion questions. Next, respond to someone who took the position of the other side (e.g., if you answered the questions in the Sony section, respond to a student who answered the question in the hacker section or vice versa).

Sony: – Setting aside the political issues between North Korea and the United States, is there a reasonable way to respond to an anonymous threat found on the Internet somewhere? What elements would you require before canceling the film if you were CEO of Sony? If you were CEO of a chain of theaters? What access and data protection controls would you recommend Sony use to provide better security for unreleased digital films and e-mails?

Hacker: – If you were a hacker, what approach would you have used to break into Sony's system? What do you think the most important SETA elements would be to prevent future hacker attacks against Sony or other media firms?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The digital age has transformed how organizations, especially media companies, manage sensitive information and respond to threats. The Sony Pictures attack in 2014 exemplifies the significant risks posed by cyber threats and the complex ethical and operational decisions involved in defending digital assets. This paper explores the perspectives of a Sony executive and a hacker, examining response strategies to online threats, data security measures, hacking methodologies, and preventive security practices. Understanding both sides provides insights into managing cybersecurity risks in the entertainment industry.

Responding to Threats as Sony Pictures

From a Sony executive's perspective, responding to an anonymous online threat requires careful consideration of security, legal implications, and public relations. The primary goal is to safeguard employees, protect intellectual property, and maintain the company's reputation. Before canceling a film due to a threat, it is essential to verify the credibility of the threat through intelligence analysis, law enforcement consultation, and technical assessments. Merely responding to anonymous threats without substantiation can lead to unnecessary panic or reputational damage. If the threat appears credible, a multidisciplinary approach involving cybersecurity experts, legal counsel, and crisis management teams is necessary to determine proportional actions.

As CEO of Sony, I would establish key elements such as threat assessment protocols, communication plans with law enforcement, and procedures for incident response. For a chain of theaters, enhanced physical security, staff training in threat recognition, and cybersecurity measures for digital content protection are vital. Implementing layered security controls, including intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access controls, would help mitigate risks to unreleased digital films and internal communications.

Data and Access Protection Controls

To ensure better security, I would recommend Sony adopt comprehensive access management policies such as multi-factor authentication, least privilege principles, and regular vulnerability assessments. Data encryption for sensitive information, especially unreleased films and confidential emails, plays a crucial role. Implementing rigorous patch management and intrusion detection systems ensures threats are identified and neutralized promptly. Regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices further minimizes human error, which is often exploited in cyberattacks.

The Hacker’s Approach to System Breach

If I were a hacker aiming to breach Sony, I would likely employ spear-phishing campaigns to compromise internal credentials or exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems. Social engineering techniques, such as deploying malicious links or baiting employees, could grant initial access. Once inside, I would attempt lateral movement across the network, escalating privileges to access critical files and proprietary information. Using malware or backdoors, I could establish persistence for future access while covering tracks to avoid detection.

Understanding these methods emphasizes the importance of robust security protocols. Regular penetration testing and security audits are essential to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

Preventive Security Elements (SETA)

The most critical SETA (Security, Education, Training, and Awareness) elements include ongoing cybersecurity training programs to keep staff aware of evolving threats, establishing strict access controls, and continuous security monitoring. For media companies like Sony, investing in threat intelligence and incident response plans is key to proactive defense. Backups and disaster recovery plans ensure data resilience and minimize damage in case of breaches. Cultivating a security-aware culture with regular drills helps employees recognize and respond effectively to cyber threats, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity in the entertainment sector demands a nuanced approach, balancing technical defenses, strategic responses, and personnel awareness. While threatening an organization anonymously presents ethical and operational challenges, a measured response grounded in verified intelligence is essential. Simultaneously, protecting digital assets through layered security controls and fostering a security-conscious culture can significantly reduce vulnerability to future attacks. Both perspectives—the proactive defense as Sony and the technical insights as a hacker—highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard critical information and uphold organizational integrity.

References

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