Bitcoin hacks traced back to N. Korea

A series of high-profile cyber attacks are tracing back to North Korea's wallet.

Pyongyang's hackers have netted millions of dollars in virtual currencies like bitcoin with more attacks expected to be on the way, as international sanctions drive the country to seek new ways to make cash.

According to analysts, it's the sky-high jump in value that makes bitcoin an attractive target for the North.

Pyongyang's state-backed hackers are being linked to a rising number of cyber crimes including the so-called WannaCry attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies around the world earlier this year by effectively holding devices hostage.

South Korea is home to some of the world's busiest virtual currency exchanges and accounts, hosting about a quarter of world bitcoin trading in any given day.

Researchers say that attacks earlier this year on exchanges like Bithumb, Coinis and Youbit in the South all have the digital fingerprints of hackers from North Korea.

Seoul is now considering "countermeasures" over the attacks, including additional sanctions.

Sources tell Reuters the amount stolen could be worth up to $82 million.