These North Korean-affiliated cybercriminals have been using increasingly sophisticated techniques, such as exploiting remote job opportunities to carry out their attacks. According to blockchain analysis, they are responsible for more than half of the $2.2 billion stolen from cryptocurrency platforms in 2024.
The groups tied to North Korea were behind the theft of $1.34 billion in 2024, marking a 100% increase compared to the $660.5 million stolen the year before.
On December 12, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed charges against 14 North Korean nationals who allegedly engaged in fraud and money laundering while working remotely as IT employees for American companies.
Once they steal the digital assets, these hackers typically launder the stolen funds by routing them through decentralized financial exchanges or mixing services, which help hide the money’s origin. Chainalysis also reports that these cybercriminals have targeted cryptocurrency platforms with specialized and previously unseen hacking tools, while also using fake job listings to trick their victims, according to cybersecurity experts.
