Latest Job Opportunities in India
Discover top job listings and career opportunities across India. Stay updated with the latest openings in IT, government, and more.
Check Out Jobs!Read More
Rich crypto holders targeted by North Korean hackers lose over Rs 1.49 lakh crore in digital theft –
Post views: 1
“The latest digital theft case came to light in advance, where several wealthy cryptocurrency owners lost over Rs 1.49 lakh crore while being targeted by North Korean hackers.”
Cryptocurrency exchange ByBit’s computers were secretly but catastrophically hacked one February morning in 2025. Digital assets worth around Rs 1.05 lakh crore disappeared within minutes. This was the largest cyberattack ever linked to North Korean hackers, so it wasn’t just a cybercrime.
Researchers
| This year, North Korean hackers stole over Rs 1.49 lakh crore from wealthy cryptocurrency investors. This amount represents about 13% of North Korea’s expected gross domestic product, according to United Nations estimates. |
Major cryptocurrency exchanges and digital tokens have been consistent targets of hacker groups like Lazarus in recent years. However, experts from companies such as Elliptic and Chainasis have noticed a new trend in 2025: high-net-worth individual investors, who often lack professional-level security measures, are becoming bigger targets.
Dr. Tom Robinson, Chief Scientist, Elliptical
| “The actual amount stolen may be much larger than official estimates indicate, because attacks on people are underreported. While full verification is still lacking, several incidents demonstrate close ties to North Korea.” |
The stolen money will likely be used to support North Korea’s nuclear and missile projects, according to warnings from Western security services. When asked to respond, the North Korean embassy in the United Kingdom did not respond.
Monitoring on Blockchain
Companies like Elliptic and Chainasis use public blockchain transaction data to track stolen assets. This technology helps identify the tools, tactics, and patterns used by hackers. According to researchers, North Korean hacking operations often use new technologies, making identification more difficult.
According to Elliptic, the total amount of known stolen cryptocurrency assets has risen to over Rs 4.47 lakh crore as a result of North Korea’s cyber operations in 2025.
In contrast, the United Nations expects North Korea’s GDP to reach $15.17 billion (about Rs 1.13 lakh crore) in 2024.
Important events in 2025
- February: INR 1.05 million was stolen from ByBit
- July: INR 1.05 crore was stolen from nine users on WOO X
- Seedify: Digital assets worth Rs 90 crore stolen
- Individual Investors: The largest single theft amounted to Rs 7.5 lakh crore
According to analysts, 2025 has already surpassed the record set in 2022, when North Korea was said to have stolen Rs 99.75 crore.
Bogus IT initiatives and global sanctions
To get around international sanctions and raise more money, North Korea has also been accused of running false schemes for IT workers. This tactic is the digital solution to the country’s economic problems.
Professor Triveni Singh, former IPS officer, is an expert in cybercrime
| “North Korean hackers use well-planned, long-term tactics in their operations. Wealthy investors are easier targets because they often take fewer precautions. Because the stolen funds are used directly to support missile and weapons projects, this is more than just financial theft; it also represents a threat to national security.” “Technical measures alone are no longer sufficient to ensure the security of cryptocurrencies. Regular financial management, password protection, and personal digital habits are equally important. An important factor in this new type of cyber threat is investor knowledge.” |
Analysts warned
Cybersecurity experts warn that North Korea’s new targeting approach poses a major threat to international cybersecurity. Improving collateral for wealthy investors is no longer only recommended, but also required.
Dr. Robinson
| “Technical guarantees alone are no longer enough for cryptocurrency investors.” “Their awareness of personal security and financial behavior are equally important.” |
Read more:
WordPress Website: Hackers are secretly inserting malicious PHP codes to weaponize websites
About the author
Rich Crypto Holders Targeted by North Korean Hackers Lose Over ₹1.49 Lakh Crore in Digital Heist
