The Tech Bet

Sony hack reveals celebs' Social Security numbers

Sony Pictures hack leaks social security numbers and celebrity data
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Sony Pictures hack leaks social security numbers and celebrity data

Things are getting worse for Sony Pictures as the recent security breach has apparently compromised more information than first thought.

The Social Security numbers of more than 47,000 celebrities, freelancers and Sony employees were leaked online, The Wall Street Journal reported. The leaked files also included other personal data of Sony employees and freelancers, such as salaries and home addresses.

According to the Journal, some of the Hollywood celebrities affected in the hack included Sylvester Stallone, Rebel Wilson and "Anchorman" director Judd Apatow. The Journal said representatives for the three declined to comment.

Security breaches at major corporations are not uncommon. "They think they are protected by firewalls and perimeter security, but the border is becoming blurred, and attacks get through," Identity Finder CEO Todd Feinman told CNET.

"The leak of the Social Security numbers, specifically, is a good example of how far-reaching the consequences of the leak are," Mashable tech editor Pete Pachal told CNBC. "Now we're getting into the realm of identity theft, which could end up costing Sony's employees and ex-employees, at best, a lot of inconvenience and worry. At worst, it could have serious financial consequences for everyone involved."

According to The Verge, the company says it will offer a year of free credit monitoring and fraud protection to current and former employees, but that might not be enough for the employees whose personal data, including their Social Security numbers, are now available to anyone on the Internet.