• The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has discovered that the North Korean hacking collective – the Lazarus Group – has drained cryptocurrencies worth millions of dollars through several attacks.
• FBI released a statement to notify cryptocurrency companies about a potential move that the Lazarus is about to make – transferring 1,580 BTC (worth almost $41 million at current prices).
• FBI suggests private sector entities should examine blockchain data associated with addresses and be vigilant in guarding against transactions directly with, or derived from, the addresses.
North Korean Hackers Stole Millions in Cryptocurrency
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered that the North Korean hacking collective – the Lazarus Group – has drained cryptocurrencies worth millions of dollars through several attacks in the past few years.
FBI Alerts Cryptocurrency Companies
The security agency issued a statement to notify cryptocurrency companies about a potential move that the Lazarus (APT38) is about to make. According to law enforcement organization, North Korean hackers have transferred 1,580 of their BTC stash (generated through numerous thefts in recent past) to six addresses. This step could be seen as preparation for future sale these assets (currently worth around $40.8 million).
Lazarus Associated With Multiple Crypto Heists
Lazarus has been connected to multiple crypto heists over past few years, including one of largest in industry: $600 million exploit of Coincheck exchange back in January 2018. The group is also responsible for WannaCry ransomware attack which affected more than 300K systems across 150 countries back 2017.
FBI Asks Private Sector Entities To Be Vigilant
The FBI asked private sector entities to examine blockchain data associated with these addresses and be vigilant in guarding against transactions directly with or derived from these addresses. The security organization wants people and organizations dealing with cryptos to remain alert so as not fall victim such malicious activities perpetrated by North Korean hackers or other cybercriminals out there.
Conclusion
It’s clear that malicious actors will continue utilizing digital assets to fund their criminal operations until proper security measures are put place by both public and private sectors alike . It’s important for people dealing with cryptos remain alert all times so they don’t become victims such activities orchestrated by cybercriminals like Lazarus Group or others out there .