The US imposed sanctions against North Korea after a cyber attack on Sony Pictures – RBC

The US imposed sanctions against North Korea after a cyber attack on Sony Pictures – RBC

President Barack Obama

Photo: Fotobank / Getty Images

US President Barack Obama ordered to impose additional sanctions against North Korea in response to the hacking of Sony Pictures, the press service of the US Treasury Department. “In response to numerous government provocation North Korea, in particular, a perfect cyber attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment and the threat of cinemas and movie fans, President Obama today signed an executive order authorizing the imposition of sanctions against the North Korean government and the Korean Workers’ Party,” – said in a Office statement.

The move reflects Washington’s position, conferring on Pyongyang responsible for the destructive and repressive actions aimed, in particular, to undermine US cybersecurity and intimidation of American companies and artists, “exercise their right to freedom of speech” , stressed the press service of the Ministry of Finance.

The sanctions affected the North Korean intelligence service (RGB), the company for the development of the mining industry (KOMID) and trading corporation “Tangun”, as well as 10 North Korean officials, including those working Iran, Syria, China, Russia and Namibia. All three organizations were already under sanctions in connection with Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

The scope of the RGB input including the arms trade, “prohibited by numerous resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations”, said the US Treasury. KOMID is a major exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons. Trading Corporation “Tangun” engaged in the purchase of raw materials and technologies to support defense programs.

Order of the President of the United States increases the financial pressure on the North Korean government and its agencies. Individuals and companies that are subject to sanctions, denied access to the US financial system and participate in transactions with the Americans.

The first sanctions against North Korea, the United States imposed in 1950. In the mid-1990s, restrictions were partially relaxed. In recent years, Washington has tightened sanctions regime in connection with Pyongyang’s nuclear tests.

The relationship between the two countries deteriorated in November 2014, when it was accomplished hacker attack on Sony Pictures. Prior to breaking the North Korean leadership has expressed dissatisfaction with the film “Interview”, issued by the company: in the film ridiculed political system of North Korea and its leader Kim Jong-un.

In the organization of the attack on the White House accused the production company, the North Korean leadership, promising to give Pyongyang “symmetrical response”. Obama warned that Washington intends to return to North Korea in the list of state sponsors of terrorism. North Korea has rejected accusations of cyber attacks on Sony Pictures.

As a result of attacks by hackers company lost some documents and works, including the scenario of a new James Bond film. Because of the incident cinemas postponed the premiere of “Interview”, for fear of cyber attacks. The same decision came and manufacturer. “In light of the decision of the majority of cinemas not to show the film” Interview “, we decided to hold off scheduled for December 25 film premieres”, – explained the press service of Sony Pictures. The financial damage from hacker attack on Sony Pictures can be up to $ 100 million. Of these, the main part of the sum will be spent on the investigation into the attack, replacement and repair of damaged equipment and improve safety systems.