U.S. Official Claims North Korea Behind Sony Cyber Hack

A U.S. official confirmed Wednseday that it is likely the isolated country of North Korea is behind the massive cyber attack against Sony Pictures and their new movie, "The Interview," that pokes fun at the Asian country's leader.

Josh Earnest, a spokesperson for the White House, said Thursday that although he cannot confirm whether North Korea is behind the recent cyber attack, the U.S. is pursuing a thorough investigation that will have a "proportional response" to those behind the attack.

Earnest described the cyber attack as "destructive activity with malicious intent that was initiated by a sophisticated actor." The spokesman for the Obama administration went on to say that U.S. officials "would be mindful of the fact that we need a proportional response."

Earnest added that those who carried out the cyber attack are "often seeking to provoke a response."

The attack started in late November against Sony Pictures, when thousands of personal files, including damaging emails, were released to the public. The group behind the attack described themselves as Guardians of Peace.

The severity of the attack worsened when hackers threatened a 9/11-type terrorist attack on theaters showing the movie "The Interview," a comedy that follows two characters, played by Seth Rogen and James Franco, as they attempt to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Although the Obama administration has not officially accused North Korea as being behind the attack, anonymous government officials confirmed Wednesday that although it appears the attack may have begun outside of North Korea, it appears that North Korean government officials sanctioned the attack.

The U.S. is also reportedly looking into whether Iran helped aid North Korea in following through with the cyber attack.