North Korean Hackers Steal Over $400 Million via Fake Video Calls: FBI

News Desk

WASHINGTON: The FBI has revealed that North Korea’s state-backed hackers have stolen more than $400 million through a sophisticated social engineering scheme that utilizes identity theft and AI-powered fake video calls.

This alarming revelation was made public on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals linked to the North Korean regime.

The FBI’s Cyber Branch Operations Director, Brett Leatherman, stated that the North Korean regime heavily relies on the proceeds from large-scale cryptocurrency theft to finance its illicit weapons program, having reportedly stolen billions in recent years. This latest incident follows accusations against North Korean hackers for the theft of $6 billion from the cryptocurrency platform Binance, a claim that Pyongyang has vehemently denied.

This scheme, dubbed “FaceStealer” by the FBI, has not only targeted major platforms but has also aggressively sought out individuals in the cryptocurrency and Web3 sectors through deceptive tactics. The implications of these cyberattacks extend beyond financial losses, raising concerns about national security and the potential funding of North Korea’s controversial weapons programs.

As investigations continue, the FBI urges individuals and organizations within the cryptocurrency space to remain vigilant against such deceptive practices. The agency is expected to collaborate with international partners to enhance cybersecurity measures and mitigate the risks posed by these sophisticated hacking operations.