WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the recent cyber-attack on Sony Pictures:

“The cyber-attack on Sony Pictures is a serious national security matter. It’s time for the United States to take a hard look at this challenge and determine the right way to respond.

“The continued development of North Korean capabilities in cyber warfare is of grave concern. Cyber-attacks have become increasingly common—most prominently from China, Russia, and non-state actors. It should be a high priority of the United States government—and for American businesses—to address cyber security vulnerabilities and prevent these attacks from compromising our systems.

“Sony’s decision to self-censor by not releasing The Interview raises other serious questions. No one, especially an entity operating in the United States, should feel that they must cede their rights to operate within the law because of veiled threats from rogue actors.”

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