Experts say US largely ruling out North Korea in 2009 cyberattacks on US, South Korea websites

US largely ruling out NKorea in 2009 cyberattacks

WASHINGTON — Cybersecurity experts say U.S. officials have largely ruled out North Korea as the origin of a computer attack last July that took down U.S. and South Korean government websites.

But authorities aren’t much closer than they were a year ago to knowing exactly who did it — and why.

The crippling strikes did not compromise security or breach any sensitive data, and experts say federal agencies are better prepared today.

The threats from computer-based attacks are increasing — and those attacks not only can disrupt service but they also can heat up political tensions.