WASHINGTON: US officials have largely ruled out North Korea as the origin of a computer attack last July that took down US and South Korean government websites, according to cybersecurity experts.
But authorities are not much closer than they were a year ago to knowing exactly who did it — and why.
In the days after the fast-moving, widespread attack, analysis pointed to North Korea as the likely starting point because code used in the attack included Korean language and other indicators.
Experts now say there is no conclusive evidence that North Korea, or any other nation, orchestrated it.
The crippling strikes, known as “denial of service” attacks, did not compromise security or breach any sensitive data or critical systems.
Officials and experts say the agencies are better prepared today. But they acknowledge that many government and business sites remain vulnerable to similar intrusions.
The incidents underscore the increasing threats posed by computer-based attacks, and how they can disrupt service as well as inflame political tensions. — AP
