North Korean Hackers Pull Off Record-Breaking Crypto Heist

A major cryptocurrency exchange has fallen victim to a sophisticated hacking operation orchestrated by North Korean cybercriminals.

Drift Protocol, a decentralized exchange built on the Solana blockchain, was targeted in an elaborate six-month infiltration effort that culminated in a massive heist on April 1.

According to blockchain analytics firms TRM Labs and Elliptic, the attackers drained user assets within 12 minutes of gaining access to the platform, with most stolen funds transferred out shortly after.

The total amount of funds stolen is estimated to be at least $285 million, making it the largest cryptocurrency heist of its kind this year.