In an escalating conflict between the two countries, South Korea is blaming North Korea for last month's cyber attacks, which shut down tens of thousands of computers and servers at South Korean broadcasters and banks.
It was widely reported that the attacks did not affect government or military, but did disable many cash points across the country, interrupting commerce and suchlike. The victims were reportedly three broadcasters - KBS, MBC and YTN - and two banks - Shinhan and Nonghyup.
According to The Guardian, Seoul authorities have traced the attacks to a Chinese IP address.
CNN reported that Lee Seung-won, an official at the South Korean science ministry, said an official investigation discovered that much of the malware code used in the attacks was similar in nature to that employed by the North in the past. The investigation pointed to the North's military Reconnaissance General Bureau as the source of the attacks.
It also wrote that it is South Korea's opinion that the North invested a minimum of eight months in preparation for the attacks.
According to NBC, experts say the North trains teams in cyber warfare, and attacks on infrastructure and military are possible against the South and its allies, and they should be prepared.
While the exact motive for the attacks is unknown, it is widely believed to be a question of the North flexing its muscles and sending a message to the South that it has the cyber know-how and tools to attack it.
This is not the first time the South has accused the North of attacks. The South attributed similar attacks in 2010 and 2012, which had similar targets to the North, although the North rubbished the accusations.
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