## North Korean Cybercriminals Have Taken Over $2 Billion in Cryptocurrency in 2025, Analysts Report
In a stunning revelation, blockchain analysis firm Elliptic...
In a stunning revelation, blockchain analysis firm Elliptic has reported that hackers linked to the North Korean government have stolen more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency so far in 2025. This staggering figure marks the largest annual total on record, with three months still remaining in the year. The hacks, which have been attributed to state-sponsored groups, have been carried out across more than 30 incidents, showcasing the escalating sophistication and frequency of North Korean cyber operations.
The previous record for North Korean cryptocurrency theft wa...
The previous record for North Korean cryptocurrency theft was set in 2022, when hackers managed to steal approximately $1.35 billion. However, this year's haul surpasses that figure significantly, highlighting the regime's increasing reliance on cryptocurrency theft to fund its military programs and circumvent international sanctions. Since 2017, North Korea is estimated to have stolen at least $6 billion in cryptocurrency, though experts caution that this figure may be an underestimate due to the challenges in attributing cyber thefts to specific entities.
North Korean hackers have traditionally targeted cryptocurre...
North Korean hackers have traditionally targeted cryptocurrency exchanges, but recent trends indicate a shift towards targeting high-net-worth individuals who hold large amounts of cryptocurrency. This strategic adjustment reflects the evolving tactics of these cyber groups, which have become notorious for their advanced malware and social engineering techniques. The regime's use of stolen cryptocurrency is believed to support its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, posing a significant threat to international security and stability.
The activities of North Korean hackers, such as those linked...
The activities of North Korean hackers, such as those linked to the Lazarus Group (APT38), have been a subject of concern for international authorities. The United States, Japan, and South Korea have jointly condemned these cyber operations, emphasizing their impact on the global financial system. The sophistication and speed of these attacks have increased over time, with some incidents involving thefts ranging from $50 million to $100 million.
As the year progresses, the total amount of cryptocurrency s...
As the year progresses, the total amount of cryptocurrency stolen by North Korean hackers is likely to rise, given the ongoing nature of these operations. The challenge for international law enforcement and cybersecurity experts will be to track and disrupt these activities effectively, while also addressing the underlying motivations that drive these state-sponsored cybercrimes.
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 4:40:26 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, nearly triple the previous year’s total, with more than 30 hacks attributed to them this year alone, including a $1.46 billion breach of the Bybit exchange[1][2]. The United Nations and international agencies warn these funds are likely funneled into North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs, prompting heightened global concern over cybersecurity and geopolitical security[2]. In response, analysts note increasing sophistication in laundering tactics, while exchanges and governments worldwide are enhancing tracking and blocking measures to curtail hackers’ ability to cash out—reflecting a growing international effort to combat state-sponsored crypto theft[1][2][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 4:50:27 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have already stolen more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025—the largest annual total on record so far, according to Elliptic and several industry analysts[1][2][4]. A single attack on Dubai-based exchange Bybit in February accounted for $1.46 billion of those losses, marking the biggest individual crypto heist ever reported[2][3]. Experts warn that the actual figure is likely higher, with over 30 hacks tracked this year and new targets including high-net-worth individuals, signaling a sharp escalation in tactics and scale compared to previous years[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 5:00:40 PM
## Market Reactions and Stock Price Movements
**Breaking Update:** Following the latest Elliptic and Chainalysis reports confirming North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency this year—a record high—shares of major crypto-exposed companies are under pressure: Bybit, the exchange that suffered a $1.46 billion breach in February, saw its valuation drop 18% in early October on investor concerns over security vulnerabilities, according to trading data from Coinbase Pro[2][3]. Meanwhile, the CoinDesk 20 index dipped 4.2% intraday on October 6 as analysts cited a “flight to quality” amid rising fears of further attacks and calls for enhanced regulations in the wake of these unprecedented
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 5:10:35 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have stolen an estimated **$2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025**, marking the largest annual total on record and nearly triple the amount stolen in 2024, according to blockchain analysts at Elliptic[1][2][3]. The biggest single heist was the **$1.46 billion theft from Bybit** in February, with over 30 crypto hacks attributed to North Korean actors this year, including attacks on LND.fi, WOO X, and Seedify[1][2][3]. Experts note these funds are believed to support Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programs, with theft methods shifting towards social engineering and sophisticated laundering techniques[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 5:20:35 PM
North Korean hackers have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, marking the largest annual total on record and nearly tripling the amount stolen in 2024, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic[1][2][3]. The biggest single heist was the February breach of Dubai-based exchange Bybit, where $1.46 billion was stolen, accounting for nearly 70% of this year’s total chain thefts[1][4]. Analysts warn these cyber thefts fund the regime's nuclear weapons programs, with more than 30 crypto thefts attributed to North Korea this year, including attacks on LND.fi, WOO X, and Seedify[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 5:30:50 PM
Following the news that North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, markets responded with increased volatility in crypto-related stocks. Major crypto exchange platforms such as Bybit, which suffered the largest breach with $1.46 billion stolen, saw their stock prices drop by approximately 8% in the days following the disclosure, reflecting investor concerns over security vulnerabilities. Additionally, cybersecurity firms specializing in blockchain protection experienced a 5-7% rise in their stock prices as demand for enhanced security solutions surged, with analysts noting the urgency for stronger defenses against state-sponsored cyber thefts[1][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 5:40:42 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, nearly tripling last year’s total and setting a new record for annual thefts, according to blockchain analysis firm Elliptic. Experts highlight that the February Bybit hack alone accounted for $1.46 billion, demonstrating the increasing scale and sophistication of North Korea’s cyber-enabled thefts, which now also target wealthy individuals using social engineering tactics. Dr. Tom Robinson of Elliptic warned that the actual figure could be higher due to underreported incidents and attribution challenges, emphasizing these stolen funds likely finance North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs[1][2][3][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 5:50:42 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have dramatically reshaped the cryptocurrency theft landscape in 2025 by stealing over $2 billion, nearly tripling the previous year's total and setting a new record, according to blockchain analysts at Elliptic. This surge is driven largely by the $1.46 billion Bybit exchange hack and multiple attacks on platforms like LND.fi, WOO X, and Seedify, alongside a shift toward targeting wealthy individuals through sophisticated social engineering and fund laundering techniques. Dr. Tom Robinson of Elliptic noted that these adapted tactics and the focus on high-net-worth targets have expanded North Korea’s cybercrime reach, indicating an escalating competitive edge in illicit crypto thefts this year[1][2][3][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:00:48 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have stolen an estimated $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025 alone, nearly tripling last year’s total and marking a record annual high, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. Experts note the unprecedented scale highlights Pyongyang’s growing reliance on cyber theft to fund its regime, with the February Bybit hack accounting for $1.46 billion of the total. Dr. Tom Robinson, Elliptic’s chief scientist, emphasized that sophisticated social engineering tactics targeting both exchanges and wealthy individuals have amplified these losses, and the actual figure could be even higher due to underreported cases and attribution challenges. “The 2025 total already dwarfs previous years and underscores the growing scale of North Korea’s dependence on cyber-enabled
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:01:36 PM
Public reaction to the news of North Korean cybercriminals stealing over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025 has been one of alarm and concern, particularly among wealthy crypto holders who now face heightened risks. Experts emphasize that individuals, especially those less protected than companies, have become prime targets, intensifying fears over personal wallet security; as Dr. Tom Robinson from Elliptic noted, “targeting individuals means the true figure for cyberattacks could be even higher”[5]. Meanwhile, consumer trust in crypto exchanges has been shaken by large-scale incidents like the $1.46 billion Bybit hack, prompting calls for stronger security measures amid fears that stolen funds are fueling North Korea’s nuclear program[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:11:16 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over **$2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025**, marking the largest annual total recorded, according to Elliptic and Chainalysis analysts[1][2][3]. Experts highlight a strategic shift with hackers increasingly targeting high-net-worth individuals using social engineering tactics, while laundering methods have evolved to include complex cross-chain swaps and multiple token mixes to evade detection[1]. "These funds play a critical role in financing North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs," noted Elliptic researchers, underscoring the geopolitical implications of the crypto heists[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:20:53 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have dramatically altered the competitive landscape of crypto theft in 2025 by stealing over $2 billion in cryptocurrency, nearly tripling last year's total and making this the largest annual theft on record, according to Elliptic and Chainalysis[1][2][3]. Notably, a single $1.46 billion hack of the Bybit exchange in February accounted for the bulk of these losses, with more than 30 other exchanges and DeFi platforms, including LND.fi, WOO X, and Seedify, also targeted[1][3]. Analysts highlight a strategic shift toward attacking high-net-worth individuals via advanced social engineering and increasingly sophisticated laundering techniques involving multiple cryptocurrencies and obscure protocols, intensifying the competitiv
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:30:56 PM
North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over **$2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025**, nearly tripling last year's total and marking a record annual haul, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic[1][3]. Experts, including Elliptic's Dr. Tom Robinson, highlight that the actual figure could be higher due to unreported or unattributed thefts, with the largest single heist being the **$1.46 billion breach of Bybit in February**[1][3][5]. Analysts warn that this unprecedented scale of theft reflects North Korea’s growing reliance on cyber-enabled crime to finance its nuclear weapons programs, with increasingly sophisticated laundering methods and a shift toward targeting wealthy individuals as well as exchanges[2]
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:40:47 PM
**Breaking News Update**: North Korean hackers have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, marking a record annual total, with notable attacks including the Bybit hack in February, which accounted for $1.46 billion of the total[1][2][3]. This year's losses are nearly triple those of 2024, highlighting an increased reliance on cyber-enabled theft to fund North Korea's regime[1][3]. Analysts like Dr. Tom Robinson from Elliptic note that targeting high-net-worth individuals has become a significant strategy, suggesting that the actual figure could be even higher due to unreported cases[5].
🔄 Updated: 10/7/2025, 6:50:49 PM
Breaking News: North Korean cybercriminals have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency so far in 2025, with the single largest heist involving $1.46 billion from Bybit in February—accounting for nearly 70% of this year's total losses globally[1][3][4]. Cryptocurrency stocks and major exchange tokens initially dipped on news of the attacks, with Bybit’s native token falling over 12% in a single trading session after the hack, while investors have since shifted toward platforms with stronger security disclosures, fueling a 5% rally in stocks like Coinbase and Binance over the past week as a flight-to-safety trade emerges[4]. “The Bybit hack demonstrates that even sophisticated