Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A ransomware group known as ShadowByt3$ has threatened to leak 859MB of Nintendo's private employee data unless it pays the ransom
The group demanded USD2 million (RM8.23 million) on 12 June, giving Nintendo a 48-hour deadline.
According to Kotaku, when Nintendo refused to comply, the hackers instead targeted the tech platform hosting the data.
TinyPulse, a third-party platform used by Nintendo of America for internal employee feedback surveys, was told to pay the ransom by 16 June.
In an ironic twist, an X user noticed that the hackers had forgotten to redact the link to download the stolen data
The files revealed insights into Nintendo employees' daily operations, including dissatisfaction over being forced to integrate AI tools into their workflows.
Specifically, several conversations showed staff venting about corporate management forcing AI tools into their daily workflows.
"I don't think we're considering the negatives of relying too heavily on AI," an employee stated in one of the leaked files.
Nintendo later released a statement stating that its systems have not been compromised, and no personal customer or financial data has been accessed
"We are aware of an issue involving TinyPulse, a third-party service used for internal employee surveys at Nintendo of America," the company said.
"Nintendo's systems have not been compromised, and no personal customer or financial data has been accessed. The data involved is limited to internal survey content comprising a small subset of our employees, and most of the information dates back several years."
The Japanese video game company added that it appreciates its employees' willingness to share their perspectives on AI and takes all feedback seriously.
"We are working with the service provider to address the issue."
