U.S. President Barack Obama says he doesn't think the cyber attack on Sony's film satirizing North Korea was an "act of war" ... after the FBI linked the attack to Pyongyang.
Obama was speaking on CNN's "State of the Union with Candy Crowley".
His remarks seem designed to limit U.S. anger over the incident, as the White House decides how to respond in kind.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"I think it was an act of cyber vandalism that was very costly, very expensive. We take it very seriously. We will respond proportionately."
Sony pulled the film "The Interview" over fears of further threats -- just as the film was about to go into theaters for the holidays.
North Korea denies any responsibility for the attack but the U.S. stands by its accusation and Obama is considering putting North Korea back on a terror watch list.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"We've got to work with the private sector and the privat
