North Korean Hackers Stole Over Rs 3,500 Crore in Crypto Over 18 Months, FBI Warns - The 420.in
North Korean-linked cybercriminals have stolen over Rs 3,500 crore worth of cryptocurrency in the past 18 months, according to the FBI.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed on Friday that cybercriminals linked to North Korea have stolen more than Rs 3,500 crore worth of cryptocurrency over the past 18 months. The agency warned that hackers are actively targeting individuals connected to cryptocurrency, Web3, and open-source software development using social engineering, fake video calls, and deepfake technology powered by artificial intelligence.
Fake Video Call Tactics
In this cyber campaign, hackers breach accounts on social media and communication platforms, then send video call invitations to the contacts of those compromised accounts. During the call, they use pre-recorded videos or AI deepfakes to make the victim believe they're speaking with an acquaintance or trusted professional.
Once the video call begins, the cybercriminals stage a technical glitch, claiming there's an issue with the audio, video, or connection. Under the pretext of fixing the problem, they send a link to the other person and ask them to click on it. The hackers present this entire process as routine technical support so the victim does not suspect anything.
A video call should not be trusted solely on the basis of a familiar face or voice. Any link sent to resolve a technical issue must be independently verified.
Facestealer and Social Engineering
The attacks employ techniques such as Facestealer and social engineering. Facestealer refers to cyber methods in which an individual's identity, online profile, or digital presence is misused to deceive others. Instead of exploiting technical flaws, social engineering targets human behavior and trust, convincing victims that the person contacting them is genuine.
The risk is particularly severe for people associated with the cryptocurrency and Web3 sectors, as their digital wallets, private cryptographic keys, and other financial details can provide direct access to digital assets. Once criminals gain control over this information, the cryptocurrency can be transferred to another wallet.
Open-Source Developers Targeted
The hackers are not only targeting crypto investors and traders but also specialists developing open-source software and professionals working in Web3 technology. These individuals often have access to critical software projects, digital platforms, and technical systems. Compromising their accounts or devices can create broader security risks in addition to personal financial losses.
The use of AI deepfakes has further complicated this threat. Previously, replicating a person's voice or video was relatively difficult, but readily available AI tools have made it easier to generate fake audio and video. This can make distinguishing between real and fake video calls challenging.
The FBI's warning comes at a time when the activities of North Korea-linked hacker groups in cryptocurrency-related cybercrimes remain a concern for international security agencies.
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