North Korean hackers, known as Anadriel or APT45, have been conducting a global cyber espionage campaign to steal classified military secrets in support of Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program. The hackers are believed to be part of North Korea’s intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau, and have targeted defense and engineering firms worldwide, including in the U.S., U.K., and South Korea. They have breached systems at organizations such as NASA, FBI, and U.S. Air Force bases for military information.
Additionally, the hackers have used ransomware attacks to target U.S. hospitals and healthcare companies to fund their operations. One suspect, Rim Jong Hyok, has been charged with conspiring to access U.S. computer networks and money laundering. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Rim’s arrest, who is believed to be in North Korea. The FBI and Justice Department have seized some online accounts belonging to the hackers and recovered $600,000 in virtual currency from ransomware attacks.
The cyber espionage operation highlights North Korea’s willingness to go to great lengths to support its military and nuclear programs. These hackers have successfully breached systems in different countries using phishing techniques and computer exploits. The advisory issued by the U.S., U.K., and South Korea warns that APT45 poses an ongoing threat to various industries worldwide, and the agencies are actively working to combat these cyber threats.
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