Summary: North Korean state-sponsored hacking groups have stolen over $659 million in cryptocurrency through various cyberattacks, with a significant increase in activity noted in 2024. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan have issued warnings about ongoing threats to the blockchain industry and the tactics employed by these groups.
Threat Actor: North Korean state-backed hackers | North Korean state-backed hackers
Victim: Cryptocurrency industry | cryptocurrency industry
Key Point :
- North Korean hackers have been linked to multiple high-profile cryptocurrency heists, including the $235 million breach of WazirX.
- In 2024, the total amount stolen by North Korean hackers reached $1.34 billion across 47 incidents, marking a significant increase from previous years.
- North Korean IT workers are infiltrating companies by impersonating U.S. staff and have been involved in extortion and malware deployment.
- The U.S. State Department is offering rewards for information to disrupt North Korean front companies involved in illegal IT work.
- Governments are advising private sector entities to be vigilant in hiring practices to avoid inadvertently employing DPRK-affiliated workers.