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.
{mosads}“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.
— Last updated 5:25 p.m.