PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Turnbull, Malcolm

Period of Service: 15/09/2015 - 24/08/2018
Release Date:
20/12/2017
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
41390
Attributing the ‘WannaCry’ ramsomware to North Korea

The Australian Government condemns North Korea’s use of ‘WannaCry’ ransomware to attack businesses and public institutions around the world in May this year.

The ‘WannaCry’ attack showed the rapid, global damage cybercrime can cause to businesses and critical infrastructure.

Based on advice from our intelligence agencies, and through consultations with our allies, we confirm that North Korea carried out the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware campaign.

We condemn North Korea’s use of cybercrime which poses grave risk to the global economy and can have a devastating effect on government operations and services, business activity and the safety and welfare of individuals.

The Government is implementing its Cyber Security Strategy to protect against cyber-attack, and increasing cooperation with the international community through the recently launched International Cyber Engagement Strategy to reinforce control against of malevolent use of cyberspace.

The Government is committed to making the Australian public sector, businesses and community resilient to evolving cyber threats.

41390