North Korean crypto hacks down 80% but that could change overnight: Chainalysis
Crypto bad actors from the DPRK have stolen $340.4 million in 2023, down from $1.7 billion from the prior year, but that's no reason to feel at ease. Cryptocurrency stolen by North Korea-linked hackers is down a whopping 80% from 2022 — but a blockchain forensics firm says it isn’t necessarily a sign of progress. As of Sept. 14, 2023, North Korea-linked hackers have stolen a total of $340.4 million worth of cryptocurrency, down from a record $1.65 billion reported funds stolen in 2022. Cryptocurrency funds stolen by North Korean-backed groups between 2016-2023. Source: Chainalysis “The fact that this year’s numbers are down is not necessarily an indicator of improved security or reduced criminal activity,” Chainalysis said in a Sept. 14 report. “We must remember that 2022 set a dismally high benchmark.” “In reality, we are only one large hack away from crossing the billion-dollar threshold of stolen funds for 2023.” Over the past 10 days, North Korea’s Lazarus Group has been link...