New Sony Hack Attack Theory Suggests North Korea Was Involved But Had Insider Help

The FBI investigation into the hacking which initially crippled the studio for days is still ongoing

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A new theory floating among Sony’s top ranks says that if North Korea was involved in the crippling hack of the studio they had help from an insider, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.

The conclusion was reached by cybersecurity firm Mandiant, who is working with the studio on the breach, however the FBI investigation into the hack is still ongoing.

North Korea issued an official denial through a state news agency last week. Sony has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.

A leaked memo from Sony CEO Michael Lynton on Saturday had Mandia categorizing the incident as “unparalleled” and a “well-planned crime.”

“[This] differs from any we have responded to in the past,” security agency head Kevin Mandia said of the breach, “as its purpose was to both destroy property and release confidential information to the public.”

In other developments, correspondence between studio head Amy Pascal and producer Scott Rudin continue to make waves. On the heels of a bickering exchange that labelled Angelina Jolie a “spoiled brat,” the pair have apologized for an email threat mocking President Obama.

The exchange, in which Pascal and Rudin joke about Obama’s favorite movies being those about African Americans, was posted late on Wednesday.

“Private emails between friends and colleagues written in haste and without much thought or sensitivity, even when the content of them is meant to be in jest, can result in offense where none was intended,” Rudin said in an apology. “I made a series of remarks that were meant only to be funny, but in the cold light of day, they are in fact thoughtless and insensitive — and not funny at all. To anybody I’ve offended, I’m profoundly and deeply sorry, and I regret and apologize for any injury they might have caused.”

“The content of my emails were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am,” Pascal followed, adding “although this was a private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologize to everyone who was offended.”

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