The US has publicly blamed North Korea for this year’s WannaCry hack, which affected hospitals, banks and other infrastructure.
The attack caused billions of dollars of damage, hitting over 300,000 computers in 150 nations back in May of this year.
An aide to US President Donald Trump, Thomas Bossert, used the Wall Street Journal to make the official accusation.
“The attack was widespread and cost billions, and North Korea is directly responsible,” wrote Bossert in the newspaper.
“We do not make this allegation lightly,” he wrote. “It is based on evidence. We are not alone with our findings, either. Other governments and private companies agree. The United Kingdom attributes the attack to North Korea, and Microsoft traced the attack to cyber affiliates of the North Korean government.”
“North Korea has acted especially badly, largely unchecked, for more than a decade, and its malicious behaviour is growing more egregious.”
Bossert went on to say that governments and businesses and governments needed to do much more to reduce risks of future attacks. In addition, he argued that harsher punishments are required for those responsible, who “belong in prison”.
North Korea has repeatedly denied the involvement of the WannaCry hack. The regime has, however, been rumoured to run a sophisticated cyber warfare operation, that has previously been used to target South Korea.
In South Korea, at least $7 million (£5.25 million) worth of digital money was stolen in the hacks carried out from North Korea. This money is now said to have surged in value to $82.7 million.
The UK was hit hard by the attack with eight affected NHS health trusts forced to turn patients away for appointments and surgeries.
US company FedEx (NYSE: FDX) was also hit particularly badly. The group are expecting to a $300 million hit to profits.
The attacks were spread worldwide. Russia was badly hit, with the country’s postal service taking a hit.