Hackers and Cyber Criminals Wage War Against Hollywood

Written on March 19, 2011 – 12:29 pm | by Jasmine Haller

Lets face it. We love to hate celebrities. To us average earthlings, they seem to live a life of privileged that is further cushioned by an industry and a public that caters to their every need, and many times we simply enjoy a bit of schadenfreude when it comes to celebrities. Who hasnt enjoyed watching Charlie Sheens public meltdowns?

Well, the FBI is reportedly investigating a hacker group who is taking schadenfreude to the next level by attacking phones and computers of stars and stealing nude photos and other personal items. The latest victims whose nude photos have been stolen and posted online are Scarlett Johansson and High Sschool Musical star Vanessa Hudgens.

Heres some more on this story from the NYC Fox News affiliate:

As many as 50 celebrities could be victims of a hacker ring, TMZ reported Thursday, citing sources who claim the FBI is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into a hacking ring that is attacking stars accounts for the thrill. Some of the photos and video have been offered to various websites for cash, but the primary motivation is reportedly the buzz from being able to access the accounts of their high-profile victims.

So, whats the lesson here? If you a re a celebrity, perhaps you should cut down on taking and storing (on your computers and phones) nude photos of yourself? Perhaps that is the answer. Though are celebrities afforded the same privacy rights as us regular people? Being a public figure does open the door to much adoration and scrutiny. Does it warrant having their privacy invaded by hackers? Probably not. But then again, most celebrities know what the stakes are when they pursue a career in the public eye.

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