North Korea’s Cyber-Attacks to Fund Nuclear Programs: A Growing Concern
In a recent confidential United Nations (UN) report obtained by Reuters, it was revealed that North Korea has been involved in major cyber-attacks to steal hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets. The document also highlighted that the US has previously accused North Korea of using these cyber-attacks to fund its nuclear and missile programs.
The report emphasized that North Korea has been engaging in cyber activities to steal valuable information and materials for its prohibited programs, including weapons of mass destruction. Despite being banned by the UN Security Council from conducting nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, North Korea has reportedly been making preparations for a nuclear test in the first half of 2022.
Kevin Bocek, VP of security strategy and threat intelligence at Venafi, expressed concern over the findings of the UN report. He pointed out that the proceeds from cyber-criminal activities, carried out by groups like Lazarus and APT38, are being used to evade international sanctions and fund North Korea’s weapons programs. With the rising costs of developing nuclear weapons and the recent cryptocurrency crash, Bocek warned that companies should be vigilant as North Korea may seek to capitalize on these funds to advance its weapon development.
Bocek also highlighted the significance of code signing machine identities in North Korean cyber-attacks. He referenced past incidents such as the 2014 Sony Hack and the $101 million heist from the Bangladesh Bank, which demonstrated North Korea’s interest in maliciously using machine identities.
While the UN report sheds light on the issue, Bocek emphasized the importance of governments and businesses collaborating to share intelligence on these attacks. By enhancing knowledge on the role of machine identities in security, it can help combat North Korean threat actors effectively.
As concerns grow over North Korea’s cyber-attacks to fund its nuclear programs, it is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these security threats. By staying informed and working together, we can mitigate the risks posed by North Korea’s malicious activities and safeguard global security.