Pirates of the Caribbean Film Release Threatened by Hackers

As ironic as it is, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is under attack by real-life pirates - the online variety. What strategy would the enigmatic Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) employ with such a daring case of piracy?

E-News reports that online hackers have threatened to release the upcoming fifth installment of The Pirates of the Caribbean unless powerhouse Disney studio pays their ransom. The undisclosed amount that is being demanded is described as massive and the payment would be in the untraceable Bitcoin currency. If Disney CEO Bob Iger and the entity’s shareholders refuse to pay, the movie would be released in installments, essentially ruining the company’s chances of cashing in on what promises to be another blockbuster at the box office.

Further reports say that the FBI have been called in to investigate and find the masterminds behind what has been a stream of daring Online attacks demanding payment while sensitive files have been ransomed. Disney studios however remain adamant it will not give in to this criminal behavior. The question however remains - how long would Bob Iger be able to resist these demands? Afterall, the potential loss is by far significant if the movie is not allowed to have its cinematic debuts? Even with a star such as Johnny Depp (who plays Jack Sparrow), this is still a risky undertaking as once the movie is leaked, fewer persons will be running out to the cinemas.

Former hacker Hector Monsegur (now director of Security Assessments for Rhino Security Labs) has shared his expertise on the matter. Monsegur says this type of attack, often referred to as ransom-ware is among the hardest things for the FBI to successfully handle. Hector Monsegur states that there are hackers coming from several handles and who is using various software. So deciphering the base of the attack is a mammoth task.

It remains to be seen if the franchise will allow hackers to either dictate or possible demolish its chances for a successful Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.