U.S. National Security Council: North Korean hackers have stolen cryptocurrency worth up to $1 billion to date

ChainCatcher news, according to an annual report from the U.S. National Security Council, the virtual assets stolen by North Korean hackers range from $630 million to over $1 billion, a figure that is double the amount stolen in 2021. The group noted in the report: "North Korea is using increasingly sophisticated cyber techniques to access digital networks involving cyber finance and steal potentially valuable information, including its weapons programs."

While crypto hackers can sometimes be tracked, depending on whether they leave a criminal trail, the report states that the fundamental characteristics of cryptocurrencies and blockchain make tracking more difficult. The report adds: "Illegally obtained virtual assets are protected by the anonymity of blockchain and the obfuscation of asset flows through cryptocurrency exchanges." The report also encourages member states to adhere to FATF guidelines to curb the growing amounts of stolen cryptocurrency funds. (source link)