The U.S. government is publicly acknowledging that North Korea was behind the WannaCry computer worm that affected more than 230,000 computers in over 150 countries earlier this year.
As a result, the Trump administration will be calling on "all responsible states" to counter North Korea's ability to conduct cyberattacks and to implement all "relevant" United Nations Security Council sanctions, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.
Trump's homeland security adviser, Tom Bossert, made the announcement in a Wall Street Journal op-ed Monday evening and will follow up with a statement Tuesday morning.
North Korea was widely suspected to have created the virus, which was paired with ransomware that encrypted data on victims' computers and demanded money to restore access. Until now, the U.S. government has not publicly stated as much.
In June, The Washington Post reported that the National Security Agency had linked North Korea to the creation of the worm. In October, the British government declared that it believed North Korea was the culprit. The following month, the CIA issued a similar classified assessment, which has not been previously reported.
Slide 1 of 89: North Korea's Kaepoong town is seen behind a North Korean military guard post, bottom, from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.
Slide 2 of 89: Visitors walk by the wire fence decorated with ribbons carrying messages to wish for the reunification of the two Koreas at the Imjingak Pavilion in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.
Slide 3 of 89: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a national security strategy speech at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017.
Slide 4 of 89: Protestor shouts slogan against Premier Shinzo Abe for his military war policy against North Korea, on December 17, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan.
Slide 5 of 89: People bow to the bronze statues of their late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Mansu Hill, marking the sixth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's death in Pyongyang, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.
Slide 6 of 89: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks during a high level Security Council meeting on the situation in North Korea, Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 at United Nations headquarters.
Slide 7 of 89: NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: (L to R) Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, talks with Wu Haitao, Chinese deputy ambassador to the United Nations, at the conclusion of an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions, at the United Nations headquarters, November 29, 2017 in New York City. North Korea test fired an advanced intercontinental ballistic on Tuesday. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Slide 8 of 89: NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: (L to R) Cho Tae-yul, South Korean ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions, at the United Nations headquarters, November 29, 2017 in New York City. North Korea test fired an advanced intercontinental ballistic on Tuesday. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Slide 9 of 89: NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, looks on during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions, at the United Nations headquarters, November 29, 2017 in New York City. North Korea test fired an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Slide 10 of 89: NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Wu Haitao, Chinese deputy ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions, at the United Nations headquarters, November 29, 2017 in New York City. North Korea test fired an advanced intercontinental ballistic on Tuesday. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Slide 11 of 89: A South Korean soldier walks past a television news screen showing North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un approving the country's new ICBM test, at a railway station in Seoul on November 29, 2017 Nuclear-armed North Korea said on November 29 it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile that put "all of the US continent" within its range. / AFP PHOTO / JUNG Yeon-Je (Photo credit should read JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)
Slide 12 of 89: People watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that landed close to Japan, in Seoul, South Korea, November 29, 2017. In this handwritten order visible on a screen, dated November 28 by Kim Jong Un, he says: "I order a test launch. Carry out on Nov 29 at dawn. Fire it bravely for the Party and the motherland!" REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Slide 13 of 89: Pyongyang residents watch a big screen near the Pyongyang Railway Station showing the news on the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-15 in Pyongyang on November 29, 2017. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on November 29 his country had achieved full nuclear statehood after successfully testing a new missile capable of hitting anywhere in the United States. / AFP PHOTO / Kim Won-Jin (Photo credit should read KIM WON-JIN/AFP/Getty Images)
Slide 14 of 89: Pyongyang residents react at the Pyongyang Railway Station after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-15 in Pyongyang on November 29, 2017. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on November 29 his country had achieved full nuclear statehood after successfully testing a new missile capable of hitting anywhere in the United States. / AFP PHOTO / Kim Won-Jin (Photo credit should read KIM WON-JIN/AFP/Getty Images)
Slide 15 of 89: A woman watches a TV screen showing a local news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with a file footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 ½ months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. The letters read "North Korea, Provocation with ICBM." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Slide 16 of 89: North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un makes a statement regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's speech at the U.N. general assembly, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang September 22, 2017.
Slide 17 of 89: Images showing North Korean missile test launches are displayed in Pyongyang on September 22, 2017.
Slide 18 of 89: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 19, 2017. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson - HP1ED9J17VGSO
Slide 19 of 89: US President Donald Trump and US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speak during a meeting on United Nations Reform at the United Nations headquarters on September 18, 2017, in New York.
Slide 20 of 89: In this handout image provided by South Korean Defense Ministry, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flying with F-35B fighter jets and South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets during a training at the Pilsung Firing Range on September 18, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. U.S. F-35B stealth jets and B-1B bombers flew near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) for the first time since recent tension between U.S. and North Korea started raising.
Slide 21 of 89: In this handout image provided by South Korean Defense Ministry, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber drop MK-84 bomb during a training at the Pilsung Firing Range on September 18, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. U.S. F-35B stealth jets and B-1B bombers flew near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) for the first time since recent tension between U.S. and North Korea started raising.
Slide 22 of 89: In this handout image provided by South Korean Defense Ministry, A bomb hits a mock target at the Pilseung Firing Range on September 18, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. U.S. F-35B stealth jets and B-1B bombers flew near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) for the first time since recent tension between U.S. and North Korea started raising.
Slide 23 of 89: People watch as a screen shows footage of the launch of a Hwasong-12 rocket, beside a billboard advertising North Korea's Pyeonghwa Motors (R), in Pyongyang on September 16, 2017. North Korea said on September 16 it was seeking military "equilibrium" with the United States as leader Kim Jong-Un vowed to complete Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
Slide 24 of 89: National Security Advisor General H.R. McMaster (R), and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (C) answer questions at a briefing at the White House September 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. McMaster and Haley fielded a range of questions relating to North Korea, and this morning's terror incident in London during the briefing. Also pictured is White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders (L).
Slide 25 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guides the launch of a Hwasong-12 missile in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16, 2017.
Slide 26 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the launch of a Hwasong-12 missile in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16, 2017.
Slide 27 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guides the launch of a Hwasong-12 missile in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16, 2017.
Slide 28 of 89: South Korean soldiers take part in a military exercise near the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, September 15, 2017.
Slide 29 of 89: In this handout photo released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, South Korea's missile system firing Hyunmu-2 firing a missile into the East Sea during a drill aimed to counter North Korea's missile fires on September 15, 2017 in East Coast, South Korea.
Slide 30 of 89: South Korean troops fire Hyunmoo Missile into the waters of the East Sea at a military exercise in South Korea, September 15, 2017.
Slide 31 of 89: Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera (C) is surrounded by reporters as he arrives at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence after North Korea's missile launch, in Tokyo, Japan, September 15, 2017.
Slide 32 of 89: People watch a television broadcast reporting the North Korean missile launch at the Seoul Railway Station on September 15, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea.
Slide 33 of 89: People watch a TV screen showing a file footage of North Korea's missile launch, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Sept. 15, 2017.
Slide 34 of 89: The United Nations Security Council votes to pass a new sanctions resolution against North Korea during a meeting at U.N. headquarters, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.
Slide 35 of 89: Pyongyang city civilians celebrate the successful completion of the hydrostatic test for the intercontinental ballistic rocket installation in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang September 6, 2017.
Slide 36 of 89: People react as members who have contributed to the success of the hydrostatic test for intercontinental ballistic rockets arrive in Pyongyang in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang September 6, 2017.
Slide 37 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves at a photo session with attendants in the fourth Active Secretaries of Primary Organization of KPA Youth in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang September 1, 2017.
Slide 38 of 89: Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, delivers remarks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on North Korea on September 4, 2017 in New York City.
Slide 39 of 89: The United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on North Korea on September 4, 2017 in New York City.
Slide 40 of 89: Secretary of Defense James Mattis (L) makes a statement outside the West Wing of the White House in response to North Korea's latest nuclear testing, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford listens, in Washington, U.S., September 3, 2017.
Slide 41 of 89: South Korean troops fire Hyunmoo Missile into the waters of the East Sea at a military exercise in South Korea September 4, 2017.
Slide 42 of 89: South Korean officials watch television news channels showing North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, at the Korea Meteorological Administration in Seoul on September 3, 2017.
Slide 43 of 89: Earthquake and Volcano of the Korea Monitoring Division Director Ryoo Yong-gyu speaks in front of a screen showing seismic waves that were measured on the South Korean peninsula, in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017. North Korean TV says the country has successfully conducted a test of a hydrogen bomb that is meant to be loaded into an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Slide 44 of 89: Lee Mi-Seon (top R), a director of the National Earthquake and Volcano Center, speaks during a briefing about the "artificial earthquake" in North Korea, at the Korea Meteorological Administration in Seoul on September 3, 2017.
Slide 45 of 89: Residents watch a big video screen on Mirae Scientists Street in Pyongyang showing newsreader Ri Chun-Hee as she announces the news that the country has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb on September 3, 2017.
Slide 46 of 89: This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 3, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) looking at a metal casing with two bulges at an undisclosed location.
Slide 47 of 89: In this handout image provide by South Korean Defense Ministry, South Korea's F-15K fighter jets drop bombs during a training at the Taebaek Pilsung Firing Range on August 31, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. U.S. and South Korea also operated air-to-ground strike drill in response to North Korea's ballistic missile launch which flied over Northern Japan on August 29.
Slide 48 of 89: In this handout image provide by South Korean Defense Ministry, Bombs hit mock target at the Pilseung Firing Range on August 31, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. U.S. and South Korea also operated air-to-ground strike drill in response to North Korea's ballistic missile launch which flied over Northern Japan on August 29.
Slide 49 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects a long and medium-range ballistic rocket launch drill in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 30, 2017.
Slide 50 of 89: United States ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Nikki Haley walks into a UN Security Council emergency meeting over North Korea's latest missile launch on August 29, 2017 in New York City.
Slide 51 of 89: This picture from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) taken on August 29, 2017 and released on August 30, 2017 shows North Korea's intermediate-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-12 lifting off from the launching pad at an undisclosed location near Pyongyang.
Slide 52 of 89: This undated photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 26, 2017 shows rockets being launched by Korean People's Army (KPA) personnel during a target strike exercise at an undisclosed location in North Korea.
Slide 53 of 89: Special operation forces of the Korean People's Army (KPA), guided by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, take part in a target-striking contest to occupy islands in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on August 25, 2017.
Slide 54 of 89: Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force take part in a live fire exercise at the foot of Mount Fuji in the Hataoka district of the East Fuji Maneuver Area on August 24, 2017 in Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan.
Slide 55 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un gives field guidance during a visit to the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defense Science in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 23, 2017.
Slide 56 of 89: This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 23, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (2nd R) visiting the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defense Science at an undisclosed location.
Slide 57 of 89: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks during a briefing at the Department of State on August 22, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Slide 58 of 89: South Korean Military tank take part in an UFG exercise near DMZ in Paju, South Korea. The US and South Korean large-scale combined joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) begins on Aug. 21 to last till Aug. 31.
Slide 59 of 89: This picture taken on August 14, 2017 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 15, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) inspecting the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at an undisclosed location.
Slide 60 of 89: This picture taken on August 14, 2017 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 15 shows members of the Socialist Women's Union in the DPRK at a rally in support of North Korea's stance against the US, at the plaza of the Tower of the Juche Idea in Pyongyang.
Slide 61 of 89: Deanne Connolly Graham, Farbod Tehranian and He-Man (name given when asked) join with protesters gathered to ask President Donald Trump to stop his drive to war against North Korea on August 14 in Miami, Florida.
Slide 62 of 89: Kim Jong-In, center, clapping hands while viewing a stage during his inspecting the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at an undisclosed location.
Slide 63 of 89: Activists, including several Korean-Americans, rally against possible U.S. military action and sanctions against North Korea, across the street from the United Nations headquarters, August 14 in New York City.
Slide 64 of 89: Local residents watch the news on the North Korea crisis at a restaurant on August 14 in Guam, a U.S. Pacific Territory.
Slide 65 of 89: South Korean President Moon Jae-in talks with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford during their meeting at the Presidential Blue House on August 14 in Seoul, South Korea.
Slide 66 of 89: A man wearing a Donald Trump mask holds up a bag with a sign saying 'redy to push the button' poses outside the U.S. embassy during a 'Stop the War' protest on August 11, 2017 in London, England. The group called the demonstration to campaign against the growing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea which they believe is being further fanned by Donald Trump's hardline statements. (Photo by Jay Shaw Baker/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Slide 67 of 89: SINPO SOUTH SHIPYARD, NORTH KOREA - AUGUST 7, 2017: Figure 7. One SANGO-class and three ROMEO-class submarines berthed at the south pier of the Mayang-do Submarine Base. Mandatory credit for all images: DigitalGlobe/38 North via Getty Images
Slide 68 of 89: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters about North Korea before a workforce and apprenticeship discussion at his golf estate in Bedminster, New Jersey U.S. August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RTS1BF1A
Slide 69 of 89: PAC-3 surface-to-air missile interceptors are deployed at the grounds of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Kaita base in the town of Kaita, Hiroshima prefecture on August 12, 2017. Japan deployed its Patriot missile defence system on August 12 after North Korea threatened to fire ballistic missiles over the country towards the US Pacific territory of Guam, local officials and news reports said. / AFP PHOTO / JIJI PRESS / STR / Japan OUT (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Slide 70 of 89: This picture taken on August 11, 2017 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 12, 2017 shows North Korean youths and workers and trade union members holding a rally to protest the UN Security Council's "sanctions resolution" at the compound of the Monument to Party Founding in Pyongyang. Nearly a week ago, the UN Security Council unanimously passed fresh sanctions against Pyongyang over its weapons program, including export bans, a new punishment that could cost North Korea $1 billion a year. / AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIS KNS AND AFP PHOTO / STR / South Korea OUT / REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS THIS PICTURE WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY A THIRD PARTY. AFP CAN NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, LOCATION, DATE AND CONTENT OF THIS IMAGE. THIS PHOTO IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY AFP. / (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Slide 71 of 89: This picture taken on August 11, 2017 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 12, 2017 shows North Korean youths and workers and trade union members holding a rally to protest the UN Security Council's "sanctions resolution" at the compound of the Monument to Party Founding in Pyongyang. Nearly a week ago, the UN Security Council unanimously passed fresh sanctions against Pyongyang over its weapons program, including export bans, a new punishment that could cost North Korea $1 billion a year. / AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIS KNS AND AFP PHOTO / STR / South Korea OUT / REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS THIS PICTURE WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY A THIRD PARTY. AFP CAN NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, LOCATION, DATE AND CONTENT OF THIS IMAGE. THIS PHOTO IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY AFP. / (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Slide 72 of 89: Watch Room staff monitor news and updates and coordinate with agencies on local in an event of emergency Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 as Guam Homeland Security opens its 24-hour Watch Room operation in response to the threats from North Korea, in Hagatna, Guam. Guam officials are disseminating fact sheets to help residents prepare for a possible missile attack from North Korea. Guam's Office of Civil Defense began distributing the guidance Friday, which includes tips on building an emergency supply kit, advice on staying put in concrete structures and reminders about keeping calm. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
Slide 73 of 89: A relief goods storage is seen inside a subway station which is used as a shelter for emergency situation in Seoul, South Korea, August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji - RTS1BC3I
Slide 74 of 89: A man looks from a barbed-wire fence near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, August 10, 2017.
Slide 75 of 89: Guam Governor Eddie Calvo speaks during an interview with Reuters at the government complex on the island of Guam, a U.S. Pacific Territory, August 10, 2017.
Slide 76 of 89: The front entrance sign for Anderson Air Force base is seen in Yigo, Guam on Thursday morning, Aug. 10, 2017.
Slide 77 of 89: A copy of the local newspaper is for sale in Hagatna, Guam on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
Slide 78 of 89: People participate in a Pyongyang city mass rally held at Kim Il Sung Square on August 9, 2017, to fully support the statement of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government in this photo released on August 10, 2017 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang.
Slide 79 of 89: US President Donald Trump speaks about North Korea at a meeting with administration officials on the opioid addiction crisis at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on August 8, 2017.
Slide 80 of 89: An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 2:10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, U.S., August 2, 2017.
Slide 81 of 89: One of two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker while flying a 10-hour mission from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, into Japanese airspace and over the Korean Peninsula, July 30, 2017.
Slide 82 of 89: In this handout photo released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and South Korea's missile system firing Hyunmu-2 firing a missile into the East Sea during a South Korea-U.S. joint missile drill aimed to counter North Korea¡¯s ICBM test on July 29, 2017 in East Coast, South Korea.
Slide 83 of 89: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on July 29, 2017.
Slide 84 of 89: A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska during Flight Test THAAD (FTT)-18 in Kodiak, Alaska, U.S. on July 11, 2017.
Slide 85 of 89: US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a Security Council meeting on North Korea at the UN headquarters in New York on July 5, 2017.
Slide 86 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reacts with scientists and technicians of the DPRK Academy of Defence Science after the test-launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang July, 5, 2017.
Slide 87 of 89: This picture taken and released on July 4, 2017 by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows the test-fire of the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 at an undisclosed location.
Slide 88 of 89: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un looks on during the test-fire of inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang, July, 4 2017.
Slide 89 of 89: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang July 5, 2017.
Slide 1 of 89: North Korea's Kaepoong town is seen behind a North Korean military guard post, bottom, from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.
The official noted that the U.S. government has released technical details of North Korean cyber-tools and operational infrastructure and has worked with other countries to lessen North Korea's ability to conduct further tests or generate illicit funding.
The May 12 global cyberattack affected critical sectors, including health care, "potentially putting lives at risk," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a move not yet public. This follows a pattern of disruptive and harmful cyber activity by the reclusive country. Its leader, Kim Jong Un, has pushed for the development of hacker forces as a low-cost, high-impact tool that can rattle the nerves and damage the systems of more powerful nations.
In November 2014, North Korea hacked Sony Pictures' networks, disrupting computer systems, stealing and releasing corporate emails and demanding that the studio cancel the release of a satirical movie depicting Kim's assassination. The attack led the Obama administration to impose economic sanctions.
The WannaCry attack, the official said, "demonstrates the importance of basic cyber hygiene, including keeping systems patched and up to date, as well as the need for strong cooperation between public and private sectors to share information, prevent and mitigate cyberthreats."
The Security Council sanctions on North Korea focus on its activities to develop a nuclear weapon. The administration, however, seems to be linking North Korea's general pattern of bad behavior, including in cyberspace, to the call to implement all sanctions.