President Barack Obama has vowed repercussions for North Korea's threats cancellation of "The Interview," though there might be very little he could do, according to The New York Times.
Due to United States sanctions against North Korea for more than 50 years, which have had little effect on its human rights policies or its development of nuclear weapons, North Korea has become expert in hiding its often criminal money-raising activities, largely avoiding traditional banks, the Times reported.
U.S. experts say Obama's options could include cyber retaliation, financial sanctions, criminal indictments against individuals implicated in the attack or even a boost in U.S. military support to South Korea, according to the Associated Press.
According to an FBI investigation, the computers used in the hack operated from New York, Thailand, Poland, Italy, Bolivia, Singapore and Cyprus, the AP reported.
By Friday, at least three of the computers were still functioning and responding online to Internet test signals. according to the AP.
The FBI said technical analysis of malicious software used in the Sony attack found links to malware that "North Korean actors" had developed and found a "significant overlap" with "other malicious cyber activity" previously tied to Pyongyang, according to the Times.
Washington could also take the step of restoring North Korea to its list of countries designated as sponsors of terrorism, which carries automatic restrictions, the Times reported.
The effect of any response would be limited given North Korea's isolation and the fact that it is already heavily sanctioned for its disputed nuclear program, according to the Times.
If U.S. officials found the hackers responsible, there is no way to guarantee prosecution if they are located overseas, the Times reported.
The other option, hacking back at North Korean targets by U.S. government experts could encourage further attacks against American targets, according to the Times.
