North Korea's Digital Heist: How Hackers Fund Nuclear Dreams

North Korea's hackers are not just a digital nuisance; they're a well-oiled machine funding the country's nuclear ambitions. They've been busy stealing billions from cryptocurrency exchanges and even tricking tech firms into hiring them for remote jobs. It's like having a secret army of cyber thieves working around the clock. The latest report, a thick 138-page document, reveals that Pyongyang's officials are behind this digital heist. They're using the stolen money to fuel their nuclear research and development. It's not just about stealing; they're also using cryptocurrency to launder money and make military purchases, all while dodging international sanctions. Despite being a small, isolated country, North Korea's cyber capabilities are no joke. They're right up there with China and Russia, posing a significant threat to governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Unlike other countries, North Korea is using its cyber power mainly to fund its government through theft and fraud. The report also highlights how North Korea's cyber actions have caused real-world damage. They've been linked to the destruction of computer equipment, endangering lives, and causing private citizens to lose their assets. All this is funding North Korea's unlawful weapons programs. The monitoring group behind this report includes the U. S. and ten other allies. They were formed last year after Russia vetoed a U. N. resolution to monitor North Korea's activities. Their first report in May focused on North Korea's military support for Russia. Earlier this year, North Korean hackers pulled off one of the largest crypto heists ever, stealing $1. 5 billion worth of ethereum. The FBI later traced this theft back to a group working for North Korea's intelligence service. But it's not just about hacking exchanges. Federal authorities have also alleged that thousands of IT workers employed by U. S. companies were actually North Koreans using fake identities. These workers gained access to internal systems and funneled their salaries back to North Korea's government. Some even held multiple remote jobs simultaneously.