North Korean Hackers Loot $2 Billion in Crypto in 2025, Researchers Reveal

North Korean state-backed hackers have stolen more than $2 billion worth of cryptocurrency in 2025, as per research by blockchain analysis firm Elliptic. The illicit cyber activities linked to Pyongyang highlight the growing sophistication of North Korea's cyber operations, targeting exchanges, DeFi platforms, and blockchain infrastructure globally.

The staggering haul underscores the persistent threat posed by North Korea in the cyber realm, with the total amount stolen by the regime since 2017 estimated to be at least $6 billion. The exact attribution of cyber theft to North Korea remains a challenge due to the lack of definitive evidence.