🔔 Security Alert: North Korea Breaks All Records in 2025 Hacks
North Korea has reportedly shattered its previous records in crypto hacking in 2025, stealing an estimated $2.02 billion worth of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
According to a new report by blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis, this marks a sharp increase from $1.3 billion in 2024. In total, North Korea-linked hackers are now believed to have siphoned off around $6.75 billion in stolen crypto over the years.
🌍 Global Impact
Total crypto stolen worldwide in 2025: ~$3.4 billion
A significant portion is attributed to North Korean state-sponsored hackers
💥 Major Incident: Bybit Hack One of the largest crypto thefts ever occurred in February 2025, when Dubai-based exchange Bybit was hit for nearly $1.5 billion, mostly in Ethereum.
Bybit’s CEO stated that the U.S. Secret Service linked the attack to an elite North Korean government hacking unit.
🕵️ How the Operations Work
Hackers use fake identities to secure remote jobs at international tech firms
Gain internal access → steal private wallet keys → funds routed back to Pyongyang
Stolen assets are laundered through complex wallet networks tracked by Chainalysis
⚠️ Why Crypto Is the Perfect Target
Easier to move and launder than traditional money
Exchanges hold large pools of funds
Once wallet control is lost, funds can be transferred instantly with very limited recovery options
🧠 Bigger Picture UN bodies and private researchers have long accused North Korea of using cybercrime to fund its nuclear and missile programs. Experts warn that traditional sanctions have failed to stop this activity.
“Clearly, our conventional approaches haven’t worked. We will continue to see this happening,”
— Matt Pearl, CSIS
🔐 Takeaway for Users & Platforms Even with professional security teams and institutional safeguards, basic security vulnerabilities remain a serious risk. Self-custody, multi-layer security, and constant vigilance are no longer optional.
