Japanese crypto funds have been the hardest hit, losing around $720 million since 2017.
Hacker organizations based in North Korea have stolen $2.3 billion worth of cryptocurrencies from companies around the world over the past five years. This was reported on May 15 by the Nikkei newspaper.
The bulk of this amount was stolen from Japan ($721 million), followed by Vietnam ($540 million), the US ($497 million) and Hong Kong ($281 million).
Japan, according to the publication, tops this list due to the growing popularity of digital currencies in the country and the vulnerability of local companies’ computer systems.
North Korean authorities can use seized cryptocurrencies as a means of replenishing the country’s budget, bypassing sanctions, in particular, to finance its missile program.
Earlier, the UN reported that most of North Korea’s cyber attacks were carried out by hackers controlled by the country’s intelligence. Among them are the groups Kimsuky, Lazarus and Andariel.
Source: korrespondent
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