FBI: North Korean hackers are "actively targeting" employees in the cryptocurrency industry

ChainCatcher news, according to The Block, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicated that North Korean cybercriminals are "actively targeting" employees in the Web3 industry to steal cryptocurrency funds.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the FBI noted that North Korean criminals have deployed sophisticated social engineering strategies to deceive individuals at cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi) companies, thereby "compromising networks associated with cryptocurrency assets." Such schemes pose a "persistent threat" to entities holding significant amounts of cryptocurrency or related products.

The FBI further stated: "In recent months, North Korean malicious cyber actors have researched various targets related to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This research includes preparatory work before actions, indicating that North Korean attackers may conduct malicious cyber activities targeting companies associated with cryptocurrency ETFs or other cryptocurrency-related financial products."

In addition to researching potential targets, North Korean cybercriminals also impersonate well-known members within companies or fabricate false scenarios (tailored to the victim's background, skills, or business interests) to gain and exploit their trust.