North Korean hackers stole $400m in 2021, report says. According to the newspaper, according to the findings of an investigation. North Korean hackers carried out at least seven attacks against bitcoin sites. In the previous year. There were around $400 million (£291 million) worth of digital assets taken, according to the FBI.
Cybercriminals in the clandestine East Asian state made record revenues in 2018. According to the blockchain tracking company Chainalysis. Making it one of the most profitable years on record for the group.
The attacks were focused at a large number of financial institutions. Including investment businesses and centralized exchanges, among other targets.
It is according to North Korea, the country has unequivocally denied any involvement. In hacking attempts that have been previously attributed to the country.
According to a research published by Chainalysis, the number of North Korean-linked hacks. Jumped from four to seven between 2020 and 2021, and the amount of money seized. As a result of these breaches increased by 40 percent. During that time period.
According to the company, the hackers utilized a number of tactics to take funds. From the enterprises’ “hot” wallets and transfer them to accounts. Under the authority of North Korean authorities. In addition to malware and phishing lures, the business asserted. That these approaches comprised code exploits and code injections.
Hot wallets for cryptocurrencies are subject to hacker assaults. Due to the fact that they are connected to the internet. As well as the cryptocurrency network. In addition to allowing users to see how many tokens. They currently have in their possession, they are also used to send and receive bitcoin. As well as to transfer money between accounts on the blockchain.
Experts advise shifting big sums of crypto
In order to keep large amounts of cryptocurrency that are not needed. On a daily basis safe, several bitcoin experts recommend transferring them to “cold” wallets. Which are ones that not connected to the internet.
Many of last year’s cyberattacks, according to Chainalysis, carried out. By the so-called Lazarus Outfit, a hacker gang against. Which the United States has imposed economic sanctions. And it is likely that the group was responsible for many of these attacks.
The team said to be under the command of the Reconnaissance General Bureau. Which is North Korea’s principal intelligence organization.
In the past, the Lazarus Group has accused of involvement in the “WannaCry” ransomware attacks. The hacking of international banks and customer accounts. As well as the cyber-attacks on Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2014.
That according to the investigation on last year’s cyber attacks, “Once North Korea. Gained control of the funds, they embarked on a thorough money laundering procedure. In order to conceal their acts and pay them out.”
A United Nations group that monitors sanctions on North Korea. Claims that Pyongyang is using stolen funds to bolster its nuclear. And ballistic missile programs in order to circumvent international sanctions. As well as stay out of international trouble.
Between February and March last year, the United States filed charges. Against three North Korean computer programmers in connection. With a massive cyber spree that resulted in the theft. Of more than $1.3 billion in cash and cryptocurrency.
According to the Department of Justice, the cyber attacks targeted firms. Ranging from banks to movie studios in Hollywood, among other things.
