The United States, Japan, and South Korea have officially accused North Korea of being responsible for the massive $235 million hack of WazirX, India-based cryptocurrency exchange. In a joint statement released on Jan. 14, the three nations said North Korea’s Lazarus Group, a state-backed hacking organization, carried out the attack.
WazirX founder nischal Shetty shared the news on X.The governments of the US, Japan, and South Korea confirmed that the stolen funds supported North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
North Korea Accused of Stealing $659 Million in 2024 Including WazirX Hack
The three governments linked the WazirX hack to the Lazarus Group, which has carried out many high-profile cyberattacks.
The joint statement also revealed that North Korean hackers were responsible for several other major cyberattacks in 2024. These included thefts of $308 million from DMM Bitcoin, $50 million from Upbit, $16.13 million from Rain Management, and $50 million from Radiant Capital. The total amount stolen by North Korean hackers in 2024 was estimated to be $659 million.
The Trio Warned Crypto Industry to Crypto Industry
The governments of the United States, Japan, and South Korea have issued a strong warning to the global crypto industry about the growing threat posed by North Korean cyberattacks. They highlighted the sophisticated methods used by the hackers, which include well-disguised malware and persistent infiltration techniques.
The statement emphasized that these attacks threaten not only individual companies but also the integrity and stability of the international financial system. The three governments urged private firms to enhance their cybersecurity measures and remain vigilant against such threats.
Additionally, the statement advised companies to carefully review official advisories to avoid unintentionally employing North Korean IT workers. Such workers, often posing as independent contractors, may be involved in gathering sensitive information or gaining unauthorized access to systems.
Trilateral Effort to Counter North Korean Cybercrime
The three nations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to counter North Korea’s malicious cyber activities. They announced plans to impose sanctions on North Korea-affiliated hacking groups, including the Lazarus Group, in an effort to disrupt their operations.
The governments also pledged to recover stolen funds wherever possible. This effort aims to deprive North Korea of the illicit revenue it uses to fund its weapons programs. In addition, the three nations will collaborate to enhance cybersecurity across the Indo-Pacific region.
The post US, Japan, and South Korea Blames North Korea for $235 Million WazirX Hack appeared first on Coinchapter.
