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North Korean state-sponsored hackers have been identified as the perpetrators behind cryptocurrency heists totaling over $659 million in 2024. A joint statement from the United States, Japan, and South Korea warns the blockchain industry about these escalating cyber threats, which target not only exchanges and custodians but also individuals. The attacks have used increasingly sophisticated methods, including fake job postings to infiltrate companies, allowing threat actors to deploy malware and conduct social engineering attacks, with the Lazarus Group being identified as a key player in these operations. The cyberattacks resulted in major losses for various cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms, including $308 million from DMM Bitcoin, $50 million each from Upbit and Radiant Capital, and $16.13 million from Rain Management. Additionally, the joint statement confirmed North Korea was responsible for a $235 million attack on WazirX, an Indian cryptocurrency exchange, in July 2024. These operations are believed to be aimed at funding North Korea's weapons programs, highlighting the international financial impact of the nation's cyber activities.

ImgSrc: files.cyberriskalliance.com

References:

• TechCrunch - North Korea stole over $659M in crypto heists during 2024, deployed fake job seekers - 19d
• SCM feed for Threat Management - North Korean crypto heist toll exceeded $659M in 2024 - 19d
• cryptobriefing.com - US, Japan, and South Korea warn blockchain industry of North Korea’s ongoing cyber threats - 19d
• The Verge - North Korea linked to crypto heists of over $650 million in 2024 alone - 19d
• @screaminggoat - SecurityScorecard : North Korean state-sponsored APT Lazarus (Group) is targeting software developers looking for freelance Web3 and cryptocurrency work in what SecurityScorecard calls Operation 99. - 19d

Classification:

• HashTags: NorthKorea CryptoHeist CyberThreat
• Company: North Korea
• Target: Cryptocurrency Exchanges
• Attacker: North Korean State Sponsored Actors
• Product: Cryptocurrency
• Feature: Crypto Heists
• Type: Hack
• Severity: Major