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North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

nytimes.com

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Re: North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

#4

It kind of blows my mind that North Korea is responsible for Spider-Man joining the MCU.

I’ve heard this a few times but I’m not super familiar with the ins and outs of the MCU and who owns (owned) what.

Can you connect the dots for me?

Re: North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

#6
What I really want to know is how did they learn the skills to do this? And more importantly, if they had that kind of access to outside information, how do they not know about the atrocities they are involved in? Or is it a catch 22 where if they don’t help then they become a victim?

Re: North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

#7
post #6

What I really want to know is how did they learn the skills to do this? And more importantly, if they had that kind of access to outside information, how do they not know about the atrocities they are involved in? Or is it a catch 22 where if they don’t help then they become a victim?

> Or is it a catch 22 where if they don’t help then they become a victim?

In case it wasn't obvious, this is seemingly how NK handles anyone who knows things that didn't come from the propaganda broadcasts. Your countrymen will also generally not understand or believe what you've said, and if they're the thrust of your action, you'll realize that they have very little power.

Re: North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

#8
post #6

What I really want to know is how did they learn the skills to do this? And more importantly, if they had that kind of access to outside information, how do they not know about the atrocities they are involved in? Or is it a catch 22 where if they don’t help then they become a victim?

If they don't help, their entire family become victims.

It's hard to imagine standing up to that.

Re: North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

#9
post #6

What I really want to know is how did they learn the skills to do this? And more importantly, if they had that kind of access to outside information, how do they not know about the atrocities they are involved in? Or is it a catch 22 where if they don’t help then they become a victim?

Some insight into how they learn the skills...

https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korean-defector-jang-s...

"Mirim University produces most of the hackers that get placed in Bureau 121. It's a highly competitive program, with each class accepting only about 100 students out of 5,000 applicants. They take six 90-minute classes every day, learning different coding languages and operating systems, from C to Linux. Jang says a lot of time was spent dissecting Microsoft programs, like the Windows operating system, and how to attack the overall computer IT systems of enemy countries like the US or South Korea."

Also

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/north-korea/how-north-korea-rec...

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/913712/North-Korea-late...

Re: North Korean Spy to Be Charged in Sony Pictures Hacking

#10
I work in the entertainment industry for a major Sony competitor. This hack was when entertainment execs started listening to their infosec people. It wasn't just IT. Media apps also got more secure and data retention policies got much, much more disciplined. The paranoia was real. I'd dare say it's why the big social media data retention scandal came out of the election instead of Hollywood.

I've always been suspicious of the touted NK connection. It seemed flimsy then, and it seems flimsy now. However, all these years later, I don't know why they'd be interested in keeping up security theater, so I assume someone closer to it than I knows all the facts.

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