China seeks greater cybercooperation (2)

Observers said the case shows the deep suspicions between the ROK and the DPRK, warning that it is better for Seoul not to blame Pyongyang before there is conclusive evidence.

The ROK's suspicions are groundless, but it shows misunderstandings between Seoul and Pyongyang are expanding to all areas, said Zhang Liangui, a researcher on Korean studies at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

"The DPRK attaches great importance to cybertechnology and has trained many technicians, so it is possible that Pyongyang can initiate such attacks," Zhang said.

"But the ROK still lacks enough evidence to clarify the origin of the attacks. It shows the tension lingering on the Korean Peninsula."

Jiang Qiping, an expert on cybersecurity with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Chinese media that from a technical perspective, one cannot be sure that the DPRK launched the attacks,.

The ROK media has political motivations to blame the DPRK for the attacks, Jiang added.

On Thursday, an ROK military source said that Seoul will increase its cyberwarfare forces to more than 1,000 to enhance preparation for an unprovoked attack, as this week's massive hacking highlighted the potential danger of cyberterror from the DPRK, Yonhap reported.