Recall the WannaCry malware that began in May 2017 which rapidly spread across computer systems across the globe? The software locked users’ computer systems and demanded ransom in Bitcoin.
Well, today reports are emerging that the Trump administration has publicly blamed North Korea for unleashing the WannaCry cyber attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies across the globe earlier this year.
According to Tom Bossert, homeland security adviser to President Trump-who made the accusation in a Washington Post article editorial: “The attack spread indiscriminately across the world in May. It encrypted and rendered useless hundreds of thousands of computers in hospitals, schools, businesses and homes. While victims received ransom demands, paying did not unlock their computers. It was cowardly, costly and careless. The attack was widespread and cost billions, and North Korea is directly responsible.
“North Korea has acted especially badly, largely unchecked, for more than a decade, and its malicious behaviour is growing more egregious. WannaCry was indiscriminately reckless.”
Despite the allegations, Bossert didn’t cite any specific findings in the editorial beyond general allusions to NSA research, the U.K.’s determination and research by Microsoft. Other reports have suggested the attackers may have been the Lazarus Group, an allegedly North Korea-linked hacking organization also believed to be responsible for an attack on Sony Pictures and bank account heists in Bangladesh.
