The US, Japan, and South Korea released a joint statement today warning against North Korean cryptocurrency hackers. These nations urged deeper collaborations among their public and private sectors to disrupt cybersecurity threats.
North Korean hackers stole at least $1.3 billion of digital assets in 2024. The statement suggests the country aims to fund its ballistic missile programs with these illicit funds.
A Call For Transnational Public-Private Collaboration
The US, Japan, and South Korea issued a joint statement condemning North Korea, emphasizing its significant threat to the integrity and stability of the international financial system and the broader global community.
“Our three governments strive together to prevent thefts, including from private industry, by the DPRK and to recover stolen funds with the ultimate goal of denying the DPRK illicit revenue for its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs,” the statement read.
According to the information provided, North Korean hackers target cryptocurrency exchanges, digital asset custodians, and individual users.
Investigations suggest that some North Korean cyberattacks have been carried out by North Korean IT workers who have infiltrated crypto and Web3 companies, compromising their networks and operations.
“The United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea advise private sector entities, particularly in blockchain and freelance work industries, to thoroughly review these advisories and announcements to better inform cyber threat mitigation measures and mitigate the risk of inadvertently hiring DPRK IT workers.”
The announcement also highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors across the three nations to counter these cybercrime operations proactively.
