Caution: North Korean hackers intensified attacks on private cryptoinvestors

In recent times, cyber-theft of digital assets by North Korean hackers has become more frequent. Experts say that Pyongyang is looking for new sources of income because it is “bound” by tough sanctions against its program of illegal possession of nuclear weapons.

Simon Choi, a senior cyber security researcher at Hauri in Seoul, said:  

Previously, hackers attacked the cryptocurrency exchange. They were more focused on employees of stock exchanges, but now they are directly attacking private cryptoinvestors. North Korea is in a difficult economic situation due to US and UN sanctions, so the cryptocurrency market has become a very attractive opportunity to generate income.  

Kwon Seok-chul, CEO of the South Korean cybersecurity company Cuvepia, said that since April of this year, the company has discovered more than 30 cases in which North Korean hackers are suspected, adding that the true number of thefts is much greater.  

Hackers usually send an email to the victims with a text file that, when opened, infects the computer with malicious code. This code gives hackers control over any computer.

Choi also added:  

Direct attacks on exchanges have become more complex, so hackers are thinking about an alternative option – the theft of digital assets from private users.  

Although anti-virus software developer John McAfee famously stated that he created an “invulnerable” wallet for Bitcoin, cryptocurrency has become the most attractive commodity for cyber-thieves around the world. During an investigation conducted by Reuters last year, it was discovered that since 2011 digital assets worth $ 6 billion have been stolen from exchanges.

Apparently, North Korea has cultivated one of the most formidable hacker armies in the world under its shadow spy agency – the General Bureau of Intelligence. Last month, a Russian cyber security company, Group IB, released a report alleging that North Korean hackers were stealing Bitcoin valued at $ 571 million out of five cryptocurrency exchanges, including South Korean YouBit and Japan Coincheck.  

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