Cyber Attack

Cyber terrorism has been a growing threat since the start of the digital age. Many of the world’s super powers have engaged in cyber-attacks in order to gain classified information. Last week, one of the very few cyber-attacks launched on the United States occurred. The attack was not on the FBI, CIA or any government agency with sensitive information. The cyber-attack was aimed at Sony Entertainment’s California office. While the attack on Sony may have occurred last week the FBI, has only began issuing warnings to businesses of such attacks on Monday. While the recently issued FBI reports describes the use of malware in order to obtain infiltrate computer networks it never explicitly mentions Sony. The report however, describes similar attacks that have occurred in South Korea and the Middle East. One incident mentioned particularly was the attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil producing company Saudi Armco. The attack on Saudi Armco had affected 30,000 computers on the company’s network. Speculators believe the hackers responsible for these attacks have been commissioned by Iran and North Korea.  

With regards to the Sony incident, “some of software used by the hackers had been compiled in Korean” (Finkle). The only motive North Korea would have in attacking Sony Entertainment’s California office would be to delay the film, The Interview. The Interview, is a film about a factious assassination attempt on Kim Jong Un. When the film was announced North Korea expressed its dissatisfaction with the movie and would not tolerate the film being distributed. While it may be speculation North Korea may be responsible for a high level cyber-attack in order to stop the distribution of The Interview.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/02/us-sony-cybersecurity-malware-idUSKCN0JF3FE20141202