2024-12-22
North Korea has emerged as one of the world's biggest cybercriminals and is accused of systematically stealing cryptocurrencies to fund its nuclear weapons program. Through advanced cyber attacks, the country has managed to steal billions of dollars from crypto exchanges and companies worldwide.
North Korea has established itself as one of the world's leading players in digital theft, which has become a key strategy for funding the regime's outlawed nuclear and missile programs. According to several reports, including from the United Nations, North Korean hackers have stolen over SEK 30 billion worth of cryptocurrencies since 2017.
One of the most prominent groups behind these cyber crimes is the Lazarus Group, a well-known hacking organization with ties to the North Korean regime. The group has carried out extensive attacks against crypto exchanges and financial institutions in North America, Europe and Asia.
Record theft: $600 million
One of the biggest thefts occurred in early 2022, when North Korean hackers stole over $600 million worth of cryptocurrencies from a video game company. This incident, which the FBI confirmed was linked to the Lazarus group, is an example of the sophisticated strategy used by North Korea to generate income.
Cryptocurrencies finance nuclear weapons
The stolen funds are used to finance North Korea's nuclear weapons program, despite the extensive international sanctions against the country. According to UN reports, this is a central part of the country's strategy to strengthen its military capabilities and circumvent global restrictions.
A global security issue
The cyber attacks from North Korea pose a serious threat to international security and stability. Countries and companies worldwide are struggling to protect their digital assets from these sophisticated attacks. At the same time, the need for international cooperation and strengthened cyber security to prevent future theft is increasing.
North Korea's systematic crypto thefts underscore the importance of protecting digital assets and acting against state-sponsored cybercrime.
End:
The rise of cryptocurrencies has created new opportunities for both innovation and crime. As North Korea continues its cyberattacks, the question remains: How can the world community effectively stop these activities and at the same time ensure a safer digital future?
North Korea's Famous Crypto Thefts
2022:
- Mars: The Lazarus group steals cryptocurrencies worth over 600 million dollars from Axie Infinity, a blockchain-based video game company. This is one of the largest known crypto thefts in history.
2021
- August: North Korean hackers target Liquid, a Japanese crypto exchange, and steal 97 million dollars in digital assets.
2020
- September: Theft of cryptocurrencies worth 281 million dollars from KuCoin, a major crypto exchange based in Singapore. The Lazarus group is singled out as the main player.
2018
- December: The Lazarus Group steals 234 million dollars from the crypto exchange Coincheck in Japan through a sophisticated phishing attack.
2017
- February: The Lazarus group hacks Bithumb, one of South Korea's largest crypto exchanges, and steals 7 million dollars in bitcoin and other assets.
Sources:
- Voister: North Korea Steals Cryptocurrencies to Fund Nuclear Weapons Program
- Cryptocurrencies worth billions stolen by North Korea – Lazarus group in focus
- FBI links North Korea regime to $600 million crypto theft
- North Korea – the world's leading bank robber
- Hackers from North Korea stole billions worth of cryptocurrencies
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: sergeitokmakov, Pixabay, original image