WASHINGTON — Last month, Sony Pictures Entertainment's computer system came under attack. Using computer code, intruders got inside the movie studio's computer system and caused a lot of damage. Such computer attackers are called hackers. When they attack computers it is known as a cyber attack.

Question

The unknown hackers demanded that Sony not release its film "The Interview." They also issued a threat: If the film was released, movie theaters that showed it would be destroyed.

"The Interview" was already attracting attention before the cyber attack. North Korea has strongly objected to the film, which involves the make-believe assassination of its leader, Kim Jong-un. What search terms might you use to conduct more research to understand some of the topics in this article better? What would you hope to learn in your research?

Answer 1

To conduct more research on the topics mentioned in the article, here are some suggested search terms and phrases:

1. Sony Pictures cyber attack - To learn about the details and consequences of the breach, as well as security measures in place to protect against such attacks.

2. The Interview film controversy - To gather information about the film's plot, the reactions it elicited, and the implications of its release.

3. North Korea and freedom of speech - To explore North Korea's stance on freedom of expression, censorship, and its response to external criticism or portrayals in media.

4. Cybersecurity and hacking methods - To understand the types of hacking techniques used in cyber attacks, the motivations behind them, and their impacts on businesses and national security.

5. Impact of digital media on international relations - To investigate how films and other forms of digital media can influence geopolitical tensions and relationships between countries.

6. Threats against media organizations - To learn about the history and cases of threats made against media companies or film studios, especially regarding sensitive topics.

7. Censorship in cinema - To analyze how censorship affects film production and distribution in various countries, particularly those with authoritarian regimes.

Through this research, I would hope to learn more about the intersection of technology, media, and politics, specifically how a film can provoke international controversy, the strategies used by hackers in cyber warfare, and the broader implications of such incidents for the film industry and freedom of expression. Additionally, understanding the cultural and political context of North Korea's reaction would provide a deeper insight into the international ramifications of media representation.