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Sony hack: White House views attack as security issue | Sony hack: White House views attack as security issue |
(35 minutes later) | |
A cyber attack on Sony Pictures that forced the cancellation of a major film release is being seen as a serious national security matter, the US says. | |
A White House spokesman said the US believed the hacking was the work of a "sophisticated actor" - but refused to confirm if North Korea was responsible. | |
Sony withdrew The Interview, a new comedy film about North Korea's leader, after threats from hackers. | Sony withdrew The Interview, a new comedy film about North Korea's leader, after threats from hackers. |
Hackers have already released sensitive information stored on Sony computers. | Hackers have already released sensitive information stored on Sony computers. |
They later issued a warning to members of the public planning to see The Interview. | |
Referring to the 11 September 2001 terror attacks, they said "the world will be full of fear" if the film was screened. | |
Many cinemas scrapped plans to show the film, and Sony then cancelled the release of the film altogether - moves criticised in Hollywood as an attack on the freedom of expression. | |
At a White House briefing on Thursday, spokesman Josh Earnest said US officials had held daily discussions about the Sony cyber attack and were considering an "appropriate response". | |
However, he refused to comment on who was responsible, saying he did not wish to pre-empt an investigation by the Department of Justice and the FBI. | However, he refused to comment on who was responsible, saying he did not wish to pre-empt an investigation by the Department of Justice and the FBI. |
'Righteous deed' | |
The Interview, made by Sony Pictures, features James Franco and Seth Rogen as two journalists who are granted an audience with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. | |
The CIA then enlists the pair to assassinate him. The film was due to have been released over Christmas. | |
In November, a cyber attack crippled computers at Sony and led to upcoming films and workers' personal data being leaked online. | |
The hackers also released salary details and social security numbers for thousands of Sony employees - including celebrities. | |
Earlier this month, North Korea denied hacking into Sony's computers - but praised the attack itself as a "righteous deed". | |
An article on North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, quoting the country's top military body, said suggestions that Pyongyang was behind the attack were "wild rumour". | |
However, it warned the US that "there are a great number of supporters and sympathisers" of North Korea "all over the world" who may have carried out the attack. | |
In the article, Sony Pictures was accused of "abetting a terrorist act" and "hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership" of North Korea by producing the movie. |