WannaCry ransomware ‘from North Korea’ say UK and US

TIL Desk/World/Washington/ The WannaCry ransomware attack that affected more than 150 countries came from North Korea, British and US security officials believe. The attack affected an estimated 300,000 people worldwide, by locking data and demanding money to release it again. British cyber experts analysing the software worm believe it was created by a prolific North Korean cyber gang called the Lazarus Group.

British security sources said it was unclear if the attack had been ordered or sanctioned by the Pyongyang government, but an assessment by Americas National Security Agency said it had “moderate confidence” the attack pointed to North Korea’s spy agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau.

The NSA believes the ransomware was an attempt to raise cash for Pyongyangs coffers. However the attempt was apparently flawed and though the hackers raised more than 100,000 (Rs 82 lakh) in ransom payments of digital currency, the money has not been cashed in because the accounts could be easily tracked by law enforcement officials.