A US data analysis firm says hackers affiliated with North Korea stole cryptocurrency worth about one billion dollars last year.
Chainalysis said in a report that the amount is down about 40 percent from 2022 due to the decline of the value of crypto assets and other reasons.
But the company added that hackers linked to North Korean authorities illegally accessed a record 20 cryptocurrency platforms last year.
Chainalysis Chief Executive Officer Michael Gronager told NHK that North Korea is continuing its illegal activities.
He revealed cyberattacks with suspected North Korean involvement this year.
Gronager said North Korea-linked hackers have highly sophisticated skills and understand their targets well.
He cited collaboration and speed as key factors for tackling the theft of crypto assets, and urged law enforcement authorities and private-sector businesses around the world to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
A United Nations panel of experts has said North Korea gains about half of its foreign currency revenue through illegal cyberattacks, adding that the funds have been used for the country’s nuclear and missile development.