DPRK hackers stole 3 billion in cryptocurrency for nuclear program

Since 2017, North Korean hackers have stolen cryptocurrencies worth about $ 3 billion. The money was used to support the DPRK’s nuclear program, according to a Microsoft cybersecurity report, DW reports.

North Korean hackers have stolen about $ 3 billion worth of cryptocurrencies since 2017, according to Microsoft’s 2024 Cybersecurity Report, published on Tuesday, October 15. The stolen money was used to finance Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Microsoft emphasized that these funds covered more than half of the DPRK’s spending on nuclear weapons development. In 2023 alone, between $ 600 million and $ 1 billion was stolen.
The report also shows that since last year, the company has identified several new North Korean groups. The increase in their number, analysts believe, may indicate that the Kim Jong-un regime is expanding its involvement in hacking activities.

In addition to North Korea, groups from Russia, China and Iran are also active in the hacker community, Microsoft says.