U.S. Seizes Cryptocurrency Extorted From Hospitals

By David Uberti

The U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have disrupted a state-linked North Korean hacking group that unleashed a “never-before-seen” strain of ransomware against hospitals over the past year, a top U.S. official said.

As part of that operation, law enforcement in recent weeks seized roughly $500,000 in cryptocurrency paid by a Kansas medical center and other victims to unlock their computer systems, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Tuesday.

Ms. Monaco said U.S. officials are returning the funds to the healthcare providers.

Write to David Uberti at david.uberti@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

07-19-22 1005ET