US Government Ask to Digital Assets of North Korean Hacker Lazarus Group Seized
2024-10-07
Bittime - Hacker North Korea is increasingly disturbing, especially because it often harms the cryptocurrency sector. One of the most famous North Korean hacker groups is the Lazarus Group.
The United States government filed a lawsuit to seize digital assets worth more than $2.67 million allegedly stolen by Lazarus Group. Read this article to find out more!
North Korean Hacker Lazarus Group
Lazarus Group is a hacker group believed to be closely linked to the North Korean government. They are notorious for high-profile cyber attacks, particularly in the financial and cryptocurrency sectors.
Most recently, the US government filed two lawsuits on October 4, 2024, with the aim of seizing digital assets believed to be stolen by Lazarus Group in two major attacks.
The assets sought to be seized are worth more than $2.67 million, the result of North Korean hacker Lazarus Group's hacking attacks on various platforms.
Read Also: Recap of Hacking Incidents in July 2024, Losses Reach $266 Million!
North Korean Hacker Lazarus Group is Hacking Deribit and Stake.com
One of the biggest attacks carried out by North Korean hackers Lazarus Group occurred in 2022, when they hacked the options trading platform Deribit. In this attack, they managed to steal $28 million worth of funds.
After successfully breaking into Deribit’s hot wallet, this group uses Tornado Cash mixer to launder the funds, which are then moved through multiple Ethereum addresses to hide traces.
Of this amount, the US government is now seeking to seize approximately $1.7 million in Tether (USDT) related to the attack.
In 2023, Lazarus Group also attacked online gambling platform Stake.com, resulting in losses of more than $41 million. From this attack, the US government filed suit to recover approximately $970,000 in Avalanche-bridged Bitcoin (BTC.b).
North Korean Hacker Lazarus Group Also Suspected of Hacking WazirX
Hacker North Korea Lazarus Group has long been a threat in the crypto world. Their attacks on Deribit and Stake.com are only a small part of the series of attacks they have carried out.
In July 2024, Lazarus Group was also suspected of being the mastermind behind the WazirX platform hack. In the attack, they managed to steal around $235 million, resulting in huge losses for the platform.
According to an on-chain investigation conducted by ZackXBT, these North Korean hackers not only focused on direct attacks, but also used more cunning tactics.
They infiltrate crypto projects by posing as developers under fake pseudonyms. After successfully gaining access, they broke the project's code and looted the project's cash.
Read Also: WazirX Hack: Chances of Customers Getting Refunds Are Very Small
North Korean Hacker Lazarus Group Also Attacks Individuals
In addition to direct attacks on crypto platforms, North Korean hackers Lazarus Group also uses the so-called method of social engineering to trap the victim.
In September 2024, the US FBI issued a warning about the tactics used by this hacker group. One of the methods they use most often is to send fake job offers and job applications to potential victims.
After building a good enough relationship with the victim, they will ask the victim to download malware disguised as a job application document. Once this malware is installed, they can steal personal data or even steal the victim's digital assets.
Impact of Hacker Attacks on Crypto Security
The attack carried out by the Lazarus Group had a major impact on the crypto industry. Apart from financial losses, these attacks also raise concerns about the security of crypto platforms.
With the development of blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, security challenges are also becoming more complex. Crypto industry players, as well as governments around the world, must continue to innovate in terms of security to protect the ecosystem from cyber attacks.
Read Also: Paris Olympic Venue Site Hacked, Hackers Demand Cryptocurrency Ransom
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