Sony reportedly attempting to stop downloads of stolen data

[nIGHT]

Sony reportedly attempting to stop downloads of stolen data

New leaks of Sony’s confidential internal documents have been appearing daily, while the company works with the FBI in an attempt to pin down who the attacker is.

Recode reports today that Sony has begun deploying methods to stop or slow down users who attempt to download its documents using peer-to-peer technology.

According to the report, Sony is deploying fake “seeds” — instances of shared files — which overwhelm user’s torrent applications with fake traffic. Recode notes that this same method was used many years ago to attempt to block movie downloads.

The method is basically a Distributed Denial of Service against those who attempt to download the files, which ultimately slows the download or even brings it to a halt.

Another report earlier this week said that it appeared Sony was serving up the files over its own servers on Amazon Web Services that also host the PlayStation network. This could actually be the method the company is using to attempt to stem downloads of its files.

Sony refused to comment on Recode’s report.

Source

Report: Sony Pictures DDoSing Torrent Sites Sharing its Leaked Data

Devin Connors | 11 December 2014 12:10 pm

Sony is using Amazon Web Services servers in a file-sharing counter-offensive.

While Sony Pictures is currently in full damage control following the breach of its internal networks, its also reportedly going on the offensive.

Recode is reporting that Sony is using hundreds of computer systems based in Tokyo and Singapore to take down file-sharing sites that help share its leaked internal files with the world.

The computer horsepower is coming via Amazon, specifically its Amazon Web Services division. AWS is the service many larger vendors turn to when they need scaled-up server power, and quickly. (Many game devs/publishers who control their own multiplayer servers often use AWS when demand is high.)

The attacks appear to be two-fold. Along with DDoSing sites that share the leaked data (like the Spider-Man 2, and MiB-Jump Street leaks), Sony is also seeding fake files on P2P networks that effectively overwhelmed downloaders torrenting clients. This brought download speeds down dramatically, although it didn't completely stop the spread of the files.

If this report is accurate, it could be one of the first instances of a multi-national corporation using denial of service attacks, a tactic usually reserved for irked gamers.

The reported counter-offensive is happening while an investigation into North Korea's possible involvement is underway.

We have reached out to Sony Pictures directly for comment and explanation, and we will update this report if and when a response comes in.

Source

Note: Almost the same news but each one has new information within them.

[Ballistic Gelatin]

Hey, Sony, you think DDoS-ing torrent sites is going to repair your already tarnished image, help cut your financial losses and enable you to recover your pirated material?

You must have morons running your marketing and intellectual-property protection departments.

Remember that rootkit you surreptitiously embedded in a music CD years ago? Now you know how much the shoe hurts when it's put on the other foot.

[locoJoe]

This seems like the old "screen door in a submarine" scenario. In other words @Sony good luck, ur already sunk.