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A disturbing trend has emerged in the world of digital technology and cybersecurity that requires the attention of the global community. Microsoft has recently identified several new North Korean hacker groups, including JadeSleet, SapphireSleet, CitrineSleet, and MoonstoneSleet, which specialise in attacks against cryptocurrency organisations.
According to Microsoft’s Digital Security Report, North Korean hackers have stolen cryptocurrencies totalling approximately $3 billion since 2017, much of which the North Korean regime has used to fund its nuclear and missile programmes. Analysts say that last year, almost a third of this amount was stolen – between $600 million and $1 billion.
These new hacker groups demonstrate a high level of technical sophistication and aggressiveness, using specially designed ransomware variants against organisations in the aerospace and defence sectors. Their actions are not only aimed at financial gain, but also at intelligence gathering, which indicates a higher level of cyber threat.
The growing activity of North Korean hackers in the field of ransomware indicates the regime’s expanding involvement in cybercrime operations. This, in turn, strengthens their financial resources and supports the state’s strategic interests on a global scale.
In addition, it is worth mentioning the sanctions imposed on the Tornado Cash virtual currency platform due to its use by North Korea to launder $147.5 million after the theft from a cryptocurrency exchange.
These findings underscore the importance of international cooperation and enhanced security measures in cyberspace to protect critical infrastructures and financial systems from the growing threats of modern cybercrime.
