North Korean Hackers Steal $3 Billion in Cryptocurrency

North Korean hackers have stolen nearly $3 billion worth of cryptocurrency since 2017, according to Microsoft’s cybersecurity report for 2024. In 2023 alone, between $600 million and $1 billion was stolen. The stolen funds have been used to finance Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Microsoft highlighted that these funds cover more than half of the expenses related to developing nuclear weapons in Pyongyang.

The report also notes that the company has identified several new North Korean groups since last year, indicating that Kim Jong Un’s regime is expanding its involvement in cybercriminal activities.

In addition to North Korea, Microsoft mentions that groups from Russia, China, and Iran are also active in the hacking environment.