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Sony hack: White House views attack as security issue Sony hack: White House views attack as security issue
(about 2 hours 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 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.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.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.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. Team America 'pulled'
Three cinemas said replacement screenings of Team America, a film which ridicules the former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, had also been cancelled.
The Plaza Atlanta and Ohio's Capitol Theatre both tweeted their screenings had been cancelled by the film's makers Paramount Pictures, while the Alamo Drafthouse said the film had been "removed from release". Paramount has declined to comment.
Many cinemas scrapped plans to show The Interview, 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".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.
Four possible suspects in the Sony hackFour possible suspects in the Sony hack
Whodunnit? The Mystery of the Sony Pictures HackWhodunnit? The Mystery of the Sony Pictures Hack
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 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.The CIA then enlists the pair to assassinate him. The film was due to have been released over Christmas.
Screenings of Team America, a film which ridicules the former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, have also been cancelled.
Ohio's Capitol Theatre tweeted their screening had been cancelled by the film's makers Paramount Pictures, while the Alamo Drafthouse said the film had been "removed from release". Paramount is yet to comment.
'Righteous deed''Righteous deed'
In November, a cyber attack crippled computers at Sony and led to upcoming films and workers' personal data being leaked online.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.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".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".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.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.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.