Japan, South Korea, the US, and other countries issue a joint alert over North Korea related crypto theft

Japan, South Korea, and the US issue joint warning over North Korea-related crypto thefts

Japan, South Korea and the US have warned the crypto-industry about the threats that hackers attributed to North Koreans pose. A Joint Statement Published on 14 January 2019.

According to the statement, groups allegedly tied to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are targeting exchanges, crypto custodians, and individual users. The statement highlighted the activities of notorious “Lazarus Group,&#8221Cybercrime continues to be a highly strategic crime.  

Authorities highlighted the high-profile hackers in 2024 such as DMM Bitcoin Upbit and Rain Management. These are all linked to North Korean actor. Over $370 Million in total losses was caused by these hacks.

In addition, retrospective analysis has revealed that there were significant breaches of 2023. These included a theft worth $235,000,000 on WazirX, and a hacking incident worth $50,000,000 at the money-market Radiant Capital.

The evolution of tactic

It also highlighted social engineering strategies and malware. The statement also highlighted the use of social engineering and malware strategies. 

The government has also noted a growing trend in which DPRK workers are embedded into global private sector companies, creating insider threat.  

In order to address the risks of these technologies, US, South Korea and Japan issued multiple advisories, urging companies, especially those in the freelance and blockchain industries, thoroughly vet their employees and strengthen cybersecurity measures.  

Moreover, the warning trilateral emphasizes the importance for deeper collaboration between the governments and stakeholders in the private sector. 

Initiatives such as the Illicit Virtual Asset Notification Program (IVAN), Cryptoasset and Blockchain Information Sharing and Analysis Center – Crypto-ISAC, and Security Alliance (SEAL) were launched in the US to enhance incident response and share information.  

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South Korea, Japan and other countries have also intensified their efforts in order to enhance coordination between the regions they belong to. Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association JVCEA and the Korean Government have launched self-inspections and seminars to improve public-private partnership.  

Cooperation between the three countries goes beyond cryptography. All three nations have sanctioned cyber-actors from the DPRK, and they’ve enhanced their collective cybersecurity capability across Indo-Pacific.

One billion dollars

The blockchain security company Cyvers has identified victims Loss of $2.3 billion Crypto fraud by 2024

According to the company, hackers used various attack vectors like access control breaches and they were responsible for 67 incident last year.

Chainalysis reports that security incidents involving North Korean actors led to the theft of Crypto worth $1.3 billion In the same year. 

The total was a staggering 103% higher than the $660 million that North Korean hackers were credited with in 2023. This shows the threat they pose to investors and crypto businesses.

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leadzevs/ author of the article

LeadZevs (John Lesley) is an experienced trader specializing in technical analysis and forecasting of the cryptocurrency market. He has over 10 years of experience with a wide range of markets and assets - currencies, indices and commodities.John is the author of popular topics on major forums with millions of views and works as both an analyst and a professional trader for both clients and himself.

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