Chainalysis Finds North Korean Hackers' Role in $281M KuCoin Attack

Lazarus, a notorious group of hackers having ties with the North Korean government, was responsible for the cyberattack on cryptocurrency exchange, KuCoin that siphoned off $281 million worth of digital currencies, according to a Chainalysis report.

The Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Read this Term analytics firm explained that the money laundering technique used by the hackers following the attack matched the methods generally used by the North Korean hacker group.

They have used a combination of mixers, exchange services, decentralized finance platforms and others to launder the stolen Cryptocurrencies Cryptocurrencies By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw Read this Term.

The most concerning thing is that these stolen funds are suspected to be used in developing the nuclear program of the North Korean government.

Additionally, a separate report by the United Nations pointed out the role of the infamous North Korean hacker group in a $281 million crypto exchange attack. However, that did not specify if it was KuCoin.

The findings of both the Chainalysis and UN reports are very similar, meaning the international body might have used the services of the New York-based analytics firm.

“Preliminary analysis, based on the attack vectors and subsequent efforts to launder the illicit proceeds, strongly suggests links to the DPRK,” the UN sanction monitors wrote.

More Sanctions Ahead?

Lazarus’ name came out on several occasions for its role in attacking digital currency exchanges. The group has been active for years, and their ties can be found in attacks puled out even in 2017.

The group was very successful in 2018 and 2019 and, according to Chainalysis estimations, stole more than $1.75 billion worth of cryptocurrency. Moreover, it was accused of the attack on South Korean crypto exchange, Upbit in 2019, which resulted in the loss of more than $49 million.

Furthermore, the UN pointed out earlier on North Korea’s role in breeding such hacker groups and using the stolen gains for its weapons program. An earlier report found that over $2 billion was stolen by these groups from crypto exchanges and also banks.