US blames North Korea for devastating WannaCry cyber-attack
What's the story
The US claims that North Korea was directly responsible for the WannaCry malware that hit over 300,000 computers across 150 countries earlier this year.
The malware affected operations at hospitals, businesses, and banks across the world causing damage worth billions of dollars.
The allegations, made by President Donald Trump's aid Thomas Bossert, marks the first time America has officially blamed Pyongyang for the malware.
13 May 2017
Massive ransomware attack hits computers in 99 countries, including India
On May 13, a massive malware cyber-attack, dubbed WannaCry, struck computers around the world.
Cyber-security firm Avast recorded around 75,000 attacks in 99 countries, including India, though Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan were the major targets.
The ransomware locks down files on the infected computer and demands users pay $300 in Bitcoin.
Accusation
US calls North Korea's WannaCry attack "indiscriminately reckless"
"North Korea has acted especially badly, largely unchecked, for more than a decade, and its malicious behavior is growing more egregious," Bossert, who advises Trump on homeland security, wrote in the Wall Street Journal.
"WannaCry was indiscriminately reckless" on Pyongyang's part, he added.
Bossert said the allegations against North Korea were "based on evidence."
In November the UK had made similar allegations against Pyongyang.
Details
North Korea must be held "accountable" for actions
Bossert said North Korea must be held "accountable" and that Washington would continue its "maximum pressure strategy" against the regime to halt its cyber-attacks.
However, he didn't mention what action the US would take.
The US has already slapped severe economic sanctions on North Korea.
Last month, Washington re-designated the North a state-sponsor of terrorism over its nuclear and missile programmes