“After a record $1.7 billion in cyber theft in 2022, DPRK hackers continued to successfully attack cryptocurrency projects around the world,” UN experts said.
Pyongyang “continues to use increasingly sophisticated cyber techniques to steal funds and information,” the report said. Specifically, companies in the cryptocurrency, defense, energy and medical sectors have been targeted.
“The DPRK continues to access the international financial system as well as engage in illicit financial transactions,” the report said.
WSJ reporters recently revealed that North Korean hackers were able to steal $3 billion in cryptocurrencies over the past five years to fund its nuclear program.
US authorities believe that cyberattacks and cryptocurrency theft have become a major source of income for North Korean authorities. At least half of North Korea’s missile program is funded by cybercrime, Washington says.