Seoul, South Korea – In a startling revelation, North Korea-linked hackers have set a new record for the number of attacks on cryptocurrency platforms in 2023. According to a recent report by blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, these hackers launched around 20 attacks last year, marking the highest number since such data began being tracked in 2016.
The report highlights that over one billion dollars’ worth of crypto assets were stolen in these attacks. Though the number of attacks increased, the total value of the stolen assets was less than the previous year’s record of $1.7 billion. This nonetheless represents a significant threat to the security of digital assets globally.
Cyber-espionage groups such as Kimsuky and Lazarus Group, linked to North Korea, have been identified as the main perpetrators. These groups have utilized various malicious tactics to siphon large amounts of digital assets, demonstrating an alarming proficiency in cyber warfare.
The escalation in the frequency and sophistication of these attacks underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures in the cryptocurrency industry. This trend also poses a challenge for global cybersecurity and financial stability, calling for a coordinated international response to combat such threats.