North Korea Still Trying to Steal Cryptocurrency, Sanctions Experts Say
A new report prepared for a U.N. Security Council committee reveals that North Korea continues to produce nuclear material and develop weapons. The report, seen by Reuters, also highlights that North Korea evades sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In addition, the report states that North Korea’s hackers, believed to be working for the Reconnaissance General Bureau, continue to target cryptocurrency and financial exchanges globally. The hackers have been using increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal funds and information. The report emphasizes that companies in the cryptocurrency, defense, energy, and health sectors have been targeted. Despite U.N. sanctions in place since 2006, the Security Council is currently deadlocked on whether to ease the measures to encourage North Korea to engage in denuclearization negotiations.
Key Points:
- North Korea continues to produce nuclear material and develop weapons.
- Sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for North Korea’s programs are being evaded.
- North Korea’s hackers are targeting cryptocurrency and financial exchanges globally.
- The hackers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal funds and information.
- Companies in the cryptocurrency, defense, energy, and health sectors have been targeted.
Hot Take:
The report highlights the ongoing efforts of North Korea to obtain funds for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs through cyberattacks and illicit financial operations. These activities pose a significant threat to the global cryptocurrency and financial sectors. The deadlock in the Security Council regarding the easing of sanctions shows the challenges in finding a resolution to the issue of denuclearization. It is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to counter North Korea’s cyber threats.