Sony hackers threaten terror attacks on theaters

[mystery-ak]

http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/227292-sony-hackers-issue-violent-threats

By Cory Bennett - 12/16/14 02:16 PM EST

The hackers who attacked Sony threatened terrorist attacks against the United States on Tuesday, warning people who plan to go see "The Interview" in theaters could face a "bitter fate."

The hacking group, which goes by "Guardians of Peace," referenced the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks as they warned people not to go see the comedy about a fictional plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

“Warning[.] We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places ‘The Interview’ be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to,” the hackers proclaimed.
"Soon all the world will see what an awful movie Sony Pictures Entertainment has made. The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001.

"We recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time. (If your house is nearby, you'd better leave.)."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is aware of the threat and analyzing its credibility, according to an official.

“At this time there is no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theaters within the United States. As always, DHS will continue to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people,” the official said.

Sony Pictures has been battling the hackers since late November, when they infiltrated the company’s network, locked down the computers, stole massive amounts of data and started wiping internal files. Since then, the cyber crooks have been leaking files ranging from unreleased movies to embarrassing email exchanges between top Hollywood executives.

Pyongyang has denied involvement in the hack, but called it a "righteous deed."

The code used in the cyberattack on Sony has Korean language origins, but contains no direct ties to the country’s government, security experts say.

“The Interview” opens nationwide on Christmas Day but premiered in Los Angeles last Thursday.

“Whatever comes in the coming days is called by the greed of Sony Pictures Entertainment,” the hackers said Tuesday. “All the world will denounce the SONY.”

The hackers' threat came as they released Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton's entire email catalogue, part of an ominous “Christmas gift.”

Lynton on Monday held an all-hands-on-deck town hall meeting to reassure employees and reiterate Sony’s stability.

[mystery-ak]

Well this should keep moviegoers out of the theaters over the holidays...

[mystery-ak]

http://thehill.com/policy/technology/227380-theaters-drop-the-interview-after-terror-threat

Theaters drop ‘The Interview’ after terror threat
1
 
By Julian Hattem - 12/17/14 08:24 AM EST
Theaters are deciding not to show a new comedy film after hackers threatened violence this week.

Thursday’s New York premier of the Seth Rogen and James Franco movie “The Interview” has reportedly also been scrapped.

Carmike Cinemas — the nation’s fourth-largest cinema chain with 278 theaters and more than 2,900 screens in 41 states — is also pulling the plug, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. In making its decision, Carmike is becoming the first major theater chain to cancel planned showings of the movie over fears of possible violence.
The actions come amid growing fallout from a massive hack at the film’s production company, Sony Pictures, that has forced Rogen and Franco to cancel planned promotional appearances.

On Tuesday, the hacker group going by the name of Guardians of Peace threatened violence against theaters that show the movie, telling them to “remember the 11th of September 2001.”

“The world will be full of fear,” the group said in a message.

The hacking group is suspected to be linked to North Korea, which has praised the high-profile cyber attacks against Sony and called the movie an “act of war” over its comedic portrayal of a fictional assassination attempt against Kim Jong-un, the rogue nation’s leader. While North Korea has denied involvement with the hack, it has nonetheless commended the action as a “righteous deed.”

After Tuesday’s threat, the Department of Homeland Security said that it had “no credible intelligence” about an active plot against movie theaters, but maintained that it would be on the lookout. Sony has given theaters permission not to show the film.

[alicewonders]

We're all hostages now. 

[flowers]

We're all hostages now.

my first thought. I wonder why this movie? I mean really why? does NK leader really pay attention to our movies? Is it really NK or some other group doing this Sony thing? Will our regime order more laws now to 'protect' us from the evil internet because of this hack?

[NavyCanDo]

my first thought. I wonder why this movie? I mean really why? does NK leader really pay attention to our movies? Is it really NK or some other group doing this Sony thing? Will our regime order more laws now to 'protect' us from the evil internet because of this hack?

Realize how many movies and even kids cartoons were made that poked fun of Hitler and the Japanese as well.     They still play on TCM.
Yet one movie pokes a little fun at NC, and this hacking group with “peace” in their title wants to start a bloodbath.

[Scottftlc]

Theaters may be doomed anyway...before all that long, direct to streaming movies will become the standard.

[jmyrlefuller]

This is starting to seem like some sort of massive publicity stunt.