- The FBI has issued a warning to the North Korean hackers’ latest target on crypto employees.
- The attackers deploy malware through complex social engineering campaigns.
- Even highly secured companies could fall victim to the hackers’ new tactics.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about North Korean hackers’ latest attempts to steal crypto from crypto exchanges, DeFi, and ETF issuers. The agency says the hackers are targeting employees of crypto firms to steal assets through “complex” social engineering attacks.
In a notice released on September 3, 2024, the FBI shed light on the potential threats of malware attacks by North Korean hackers targeting crypto exchanges, ETF, and DeFi platforms. The agency outlined the illegal actors’ possible schemes, methods, and other details of the potential attack. These actors aim to deploy sophisticated malware to users’ systems and steal significant amounts of crypto assets.
The FBI cautioned that even companies with the top-notch security could be vulnerable to the North Korean attack, considering the complexity of the malware scheme. The statement read, “Given the scale and persistence of this malicious activity, even those well-versed in cybersecurity practices can be vulnerable to North Korea’s determination to compromise networks connected to cryptocurrency assets.”
Further, explaining the actors’ methods, the agency hinted at their fake offers of employment or investments through deepfake scams. The FBI cited that the attackers might be impersonating celebrities, especially public figures connected to certain technologies, to lure individuals into their tactics. The scammers might then send links to the targeted users that prompt them to download the malware.
Similar to the “pig butchering scams,” the North Korean hackers may also try to build rapport with the chosen users before executing the attack. According to the FBI’s statements, the hackers will be fluent or nearly fluent in English, making the communication seem genuine. In addition, they will be technically knowledgeable in the area of cryptocurrency.
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