Leaked emails from studio execs are one thing. Terrorist threats are quite another. Within the past few weeks, the Sony hack has escalated from something that was pretty fun to follow to a situation that potentially threatens human safety. The BBC has helpfully assembled a summary of what’s gone down thus far. Here are the main points:
- June: Representatives from North Korea issues a statement condemning Sony‘s upcoming film “The Interview,” a comedy about an assassination attempt on Kim Jong-Un.
- November 22: Sony employees’ computers shut down and are filled up with the logo of the apparent attackers. With its computer system down, the company has to revert to pens and paper to carry out business.
- Shortly After That: Amid speculation that North Korea is behind the attack, the country denies involvement while at the same time applauding the hacking effort.
- Mid-December: A trove of highly privileged emails from Sony personnel are leaked by hackers which reveal, among other things, confidential details about upcoming projects as well as unfiltered studio executive criticisms of celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Leonardo Dicaprio.
Up until now, the hack hasn’t really had consequences for anyone but members of the Hollywood elite. But that all changed when the alleged hackers issued the following message on a site called Pastebin: “We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places ‘The Interview’ [will] be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to.” The post went on to reference the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Suddenly, a hack that at first appeared to be a masterful trolling session turned into something a lot weightier.
A Computer Hack Becomes A National Security Situation
While it’s not clear if the Pastebin post actually comes from the hackers, movie theaters aren’t taking any chances. According to CNNMoney, a theater in New York has already axed its planned premiere of “The Interview.” More theaters across the country are likely to follow suit.
Meanwhile, other aspects of the film’s promotion have also been impeded. As BuzzFeed reported, the movie’s stars, James Franco and Seth Rogen, have canceled their press appearances for the film. And as CNN stated, Sony has indicated that “it won’t object if theaters decide not to show the film, according to a person close to the situation.”
Those who do see the film – particularly in major cities – can likely expect it to not be the typical experience. In New York, for instance, the NYPD stated it’s planning to police theaters as a precautionary counter-terrorism measure.
“We’ll continue to evaluate the threat,” said John Miller, deputy commissioner of intelligence and counter-terrorism. “It’s actually not crystal clear whether it’s a cyber… or physical attack they’re threatening.”
A movie premiere in jeopardy. Its stars cancelling appearances. The police force dispatched. And all stemming from what – a post on a hacker forum and some leaked emails? The Sony hack and its repercussions point to the emergence of a dangerous new phase of cybercrime, one in which hackers wield more power than ever.
The question is: Could computer hackers remotely carry out a terrorist attack?
For clear reasons, this is not a question that we want answered. But what’s immediately evident is that authorities are taking these threats very seriously, and therefore we should as well.
The cybercriminal realm is in a constant state of evolution, and it remains to be seen where that leads. The best advice for the typical computer user is to be never let your guard down when you’re online.
