Boston, MA 12/03/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) suffered what is believed to be a large scale data breach in its entertainment unit known as Sony Pictures Entertainment. The cyber attack led to the loss of what is believed to be sensitive data and information, according to a Reuters report. Investigations are at an early stage to unearth the suspects. However, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been cast a bad light in the whole data breach saga.
Vulnerable system
It has emerged that only computers running Windows software from Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) were compromised in the attack. The computers at Sony Pictures that run Macs software from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) were not affected. In the current tech wars, the revelations are likely to hurt Microsoft as its system is made to look vulnerable.
The increase in cyber threats has meant that users are looking for systems that can guarantee their data security. As such, tech companies have shifted competition to touting their systems as more secure than others to boost sales. Apple recently moved with speed to address possible weakness in its system as a strange malware known as WireLuker attacked Mac and iOS users in China.
The apparent vulnerability of Windows in the wake of the attack on Sony Pictures comes when Microsoft is struggling with a shrinking PC market. The penetration of smartphones and tablets has narrowed PC sales at Microsoft, yet the company is also facing challenge in the mobile market. Its Windows Phone OS is not making inroads in an inspiring manner.
Challenge of the CEO
In the case of the data breach on Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)’s entertainment arm, data about the company’s operations and salaries are believed to have been stolen. Some of the stolen data and information are being leaked through certain piracy sites. The attack came at a time when the company has been struggling to convince investors that keeping Sony Pictures as part of the company was better than spinning it off.
Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)’s CEO, Kazuo Hirai, hopes to bring the performance at the entertainment business to the level that it can offset the challenges in the mobile division.
In other development Wee-Cig International Corp (OTCMKTS:WCIG) has signed an agreement with a Nevada based company named Wee-Cig (USA) Ltd. (“WCIG USA”) which is in the e-cigarette and vaporizer product industry for the rights to 25 year general license to manufacture and market the entire Wee-Cig product line worldwide. Wee-Cig International Corp (OTCMKTS:WCIG) in consideration issued 25.0 million restricted common shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $2,500,000 to Wee-Cig or its nominees.
