A new confidential report by the United Nations sanctions monitors reveals that North Korea targeted foreign aerospace and defense companies and stole more cryptocurrency assets in 2022 than in any other year. The report, which is set to be released later this month, highlights the growing sophistication of North Korean hacking techniques.
Record-Breaking Cryptocurrency Theft
According to the report, North Korea used increasingly advanced cyber techniques to both access digital networks involved in cyber finance and steal valuable information, including data related to its weapons programs. South Korea estimated that North Korean-linked hackers stole virtual assets worth $630 million in 2022, while a cybersecurity firm assessed that North Korean cybercrime yielded cryptocurrencies worth more than $1 billion.
Read More: South Korea’s Crypto-Tracking System to Fight Money Laundering
Targeted Extortion Campaigns
The sanctions monitors also revealed that most cyberattacks were conducted by groups controlled by North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau, the Reconnaissance General Bureau. These groups, including Kimsuky, Lazarus Group, and Andariel, continued to target victims to generate revenue and obtain valuable information, including data related to North Korea’s weapons programs. The report details how the groups used various methods, such as phishing and malware, to extort ransoms from small- and medium-sized companies in several countries.
International Responses
In the face of North Korea’s escalating cyberattacks, the United States has accused the Russian mercenary company Wagner Group of receiving arms from North Korea and linked North Korean hackers to the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency tied to the popular online game Axie Infinity. In May 2022, China and Russia vetoed a US-led push to impose additional UN sanctions on North Korea, including an asset freeze on the Lazarus hacking group.
North Korea’s cyberattacks show no signs of slowing down, and the country continues to use advanced techniques to steal valuable information and generate revenue. Despite facing UN sanctions, North Korea continues to develop its nuclear program and evade international restrictions. The forthcoming release of the UN report is expected to shed light on the full extent of North Korea’s cyber activities and the international response to them.
