North Korean "HACKERS" Why World Fear them?

Summary

In 2014, Sony Pictures became the target of a massive cyberattack by a group called 'Guardians of Peace,' believed to be linked to North Korea. This attack was in retaliation for the movie *The Interview*, which depicted the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Despite threats of violence and terrorist attacks, Sony released the movie on digital platforms and in select theaters. The U.S. government and experts suspect North Korea's involvement due to similar past cyberattacks and North Korea's history of using cybercrime to fund its operations. The incident heightened tensions between the U.S. and North Korea, raising questions about state-sponsored hacking and digital warfare.

Takeaways

• 😀 North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, is often associated with the world's most notorious dictatorships.
• 😀 Despite North Korea's GDP being only $48 billion, half of it is spent on military expenses.
• 😀 North Korea has extremely strict laws, including bans on small things like hairstyles and personal freedom, with severe punishments for political crimes.
• 😀 Sony Pictures planned the release of 'The Interview,' a movie mocking Kim Jong Un, which led to a major cyber attack by a group called Guardians of Peace (GOP).
• 😀 The movie's plot centered around two American reporters who were sent to interview Kim Jong Un and plot his assassination, which angered North Korea.
• 😀 In response to threats, Sony Pictures delayed the movie release and made some edits, but the death scene of Kim Jong Un was retained.
• 😀 On November 24, 2014, Sony Pictures was hacked, with the hackers demanding the cancellation of the movie release and threatening to expose sensitive company data.
• 😀 The hackers, identified as GOP, also claimed to have compromised Sony's internal data and warned of terrorist-style attacks if the movie was released.
• 😀 Following the threats, many American movie theaters refused to screen the film, forcing Sony to delay and later release the movie in select theaters.
• 😀 There was suspicion that the hackers were from North Korea, especially since the demand was specifically to cancel the movie, which involved Kim Jong Un.
• 😀 The North Korean government denied any involvement in the hacking but U.S. authorities and experts pointed to their likely role due to the specific nature of the demands and past cyber incidents.

Q & A

Why did North Korea react so strongly to *The Interview*?

North Korea saw *The Interview* as a direct threat to its leadership. The movie depicted a fictional plot where the U.S. government recruits two journalists to assassinate Kim Jong-un, which offended the regime's leadership and was considered an act of aggression.

What was the role of Sony Pictures in the controversy surrounding *The Interview*?

Sony Pictures produced and distributed *The Interview* despite the backlash and threats from North Korea. Despite initial concerns and some delays in the movie’s release, Sony ultimately proceeded with releasing the film on a limited number of independent theaters.

How did the Guardians of Peace (GOP) hacker group get involved with Sony Pictures?

The Guardians of Peace (GOP) hacked Sony Pictures' computer systems in late November 2014, stealing sensitive data and threatening to release it unless the studio canceled the release of *The Interview*. Their demand was linked to the movie’s portrayal of Kim Jong-un.

What specific threats did the hackers make to Sony Pictures?

The hackers, identified as Guardians of Peace, threatened to release Sony's private data, including emails and personal information of employees. They also warned of violent repercussions, implying a threat of terrorist attacks, similar to the September 11 attacks, if the movie was released.

What was the U.S. government's response to the Sony hack and the threats from North Korea?

The U.S. government, including President Obama, condemned the hacking and emphasized that no foreign country should have the power to censor American films. The FBI investigated the cyber attack and ultimately attributed it to North Korea. Obama also stated that the U.S. would respond at the appropriate time and place.

Why did Sony Pictures choose to delay the release of *The Interview*?

Sony delayed the release of *The Interview* in response to the threats from the hackers and the refusal of major theater chains to screen the film due to safety concerns. Sony feared widespread disruption and potential violence at theaters showing the film.

How did *The Interview* eventually get released despite the threats?

After the initial controversy and delay, Sony decided to release *The Interview* in a limited number of independent theaters on Christmas Day 2014, and also made it available for streaming online, including through Google Play and YouTube.

What was the broader political and economic context surrounding the Sony hack?

The Sony hack was part of a larger strategy by North Korea to control its image and prevent any content that could undermine its authoritarian rule. Additionally, the hack showcased how cyber-attacks have become a tool of geopolitics, with North Korea using them to exert influence and fund its military and nuclear programs.

What connection does North Korea have to other cyber-attacks, like the 2016 Bangladesh bank heist?

North Korea has been linked to several high-profile cyber-attacks, including the 2016 Bangladesh bank heist, where hackers attempted to steal over $1 billion. Experts believe that cybercrime is a key funding source for North Korea’s nuclear and military programs, as the country faces significant international sanctions.

Why was North Korea likely behind the Sony hack, according to experts?

Experts point to several reasons for believing North Korea was behind the hack: the hackers' demand to cancel *The Interview* aligns with North Korea's interests, the tools used in the attack were similar to those in previous cyberattacks linked to North Korea, and the highly controlled nature of the internet in the country makes it unlikely that hackers could act without government involvement.