<Anchor> The

European Union has decided to sanction individuals and institutions suspected of being involved in cyber attacks for the first time. North Korea's “Chosun Expo” company was also included in the sanctions.

Reporter Kim Hak-hui reports.

<Reporter> The

European Union's EU Board of Directors said it has decided to impose sanctions on six individuals and three institutions that are responsible for or involved in various cyber attacks.

This is the first time the EU has imposed sanctions on cyber attacks.

The sanctions include restrictions on entry to the EU and freezing of assets.

It is also forbidden for individuals and institutions in the EU to raise funds available for sanctions.

North Korea's'Chosun Expo' was also included in the sanctions.

'Chosun Expo' is a camouflage company linked to North Korea's intelligence-related parts and is known to have been based in North Korea as well as China.

The EU said the reason for the sanctions was that the'Chosun Expo' provided financial and technical support for several cyber attacks.

In particular, the'Chosun Expo' linked cyber attack,'Warner Cry' malware attack that hit the world in May 2017 and cyber attacks on Sony Pictures Entertainment.

In addition, four Russian military intelligence agencies, two Chinese, and one company in China were also on the list.