Experts suspect North behind South Korea computer crash
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A computer is seen down after hacking at main office of broadcaster YTN in Seoul March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
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Computers are seen down after a hacking attack at the main office of broadcaster YTN in Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
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The screen of an automated teller machine of Shinhan Bank shows "out of service" sign after a hacking attack in central Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
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Depositors try to use automated teller machines of Shinhan Bank while the bank's computer networks are paralysed at a subway station in Seoul, South Korea, on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: AP
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Members of the Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA) check on cyber attacks at a briefing room of KISA in Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: AFP
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Disconnected computer monitors are seen at a visitors' centre in the Korean Broadcasting System headquarters in Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: AFP
A computer is seen down after hacking at main office of broadcaster YTN in Seoul March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Computers are seen down after a hacking attack at the main office of broadcaster YTN in Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
The screen of an automated teller machine of Shinhan Bank shows "out of service" sign after a hacking attack in central Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Depositors try to use automated teller machines of Shinhan Bank while the bank's computer networks are paralysed at a subway station in Seoul, South Korea, on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: AP
Members of the Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA) check on cyber attacks at a briefing room of KISA in Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: AFP
Disconnected computer monitors are seen at a visitors' centre in the Korean Broadcasting System headquarters in Seoul on March 20, 2013. A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement. -- PHOTO: AFP
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - A cyber attack caused computer networks at major South Korean banks and top TV broadcasters to crash simultaneously on Wednesday, paralysing bank machines across the country and prompting speculation of North Korean involvement.
Screens went blank at 2pm (1pm Singapore time), the state-run Korea Information Security Agency said, and more than seven hours later some systems were still down.
Police and South Korean officials couldn't immediately determine responsibility and North Korea's state media made no immediate comments on the shutdown. But some experts suspected a cyber attack orchestrated by Pyongyang.
The rivals have exchanged threats amid joint United States-South Korean military drills and in the wake of United Nations sanctions meant to punish North Korea over its nuclear test last month.
