One of the hackers was also charged in 2018 for playing a role in the Sony Pictures hacking and WannaCry ransomware attacks.
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) charged three computer programmers from North Korea, Jon Chang Hyok, Kim Il, and Park Jin Hyok, for instigating a global hacking campaign and extorting a total of $1.3 billion from different companies and banks.
All three programmers have been identified as members of the Korean military intelligence agency. The programmers are charged for conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, among other charges. Park was charged in 2018 for playing a role in the Sony Pictures hacking and WannaCry ransomware attacks.
Hackers Stole Digital Wallets
According to the DoJ’s National Security Division Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers, “North Korea’s operatives, using keyboards rather than guns, stealing digital wallets of cryptocurrency instead of sacks of cash, are the world’s leading bank robbers.”
The department further noted that it will continue its fight against nation-state cyberattacks using their “unique tools,” Mr. Demers said in a press release.
Nation-Sponsored Campaign
The hackers are accused of carrying out widespread hacks at the government’s behest and stole funds to benefit the regime. Interestingly, the defendants worked from locations in China and Russia frequently.
Prosecutors claim that North Korea’s criminal hacking is purely profit-driven compared to other nation-state campaigns, such as those launched by ..
Support the originator by clicking the read the rest link below.
