North Korean Hackers Steal $2B in Crypto Funds, Threats Expected to Persist

A recent report by CrowdStrike has shed light on the growing threat of North Korean hackers to the global cryptocurrency market. In 2025, North Korean threat actors stole an estimated $2 billion in crypto funds, representing a 51% increase from the previous year.

The report attributes this surge in cyber attacks to the ability of North Korean adversaries to execute and monetize theft at scale in the crypto industry. CrowdStrike's observations are consistent with those of CertiK, which estimated that North Korea's crypto activity rose by 60% in 2025.

The firm noted that the threat actors leverage malware and advanced social engineering tactics to target victims, with the stolen funds often being laundered to support North Korea's military ambitions. The report warns that these threats will persist in 2026, driven by international sanctions against the country and its need to fund military activities.