A panel of experts from the United Nations said they are investigating 58 suspected cyberattacks by North Korea with an estimated value of $3 billion.
The cyber operations were reportedly used to advance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program, according to the Associated Press, citing a summary of the UN panel’s report.
The UN panel, which monitors sanctions against the North Korean government, said the cyber incidents under probe allegedly targeted cryptocurrency-related companies from 2017 to 2023.
The activity of hacking groups affiliated with the Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Korea’s foreign intelligence arm, is growing, the experts added.
“Trends include [the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] targeting of defense companies and supply chains, and increasingly sharing infrastructure and tools,” the panel said, referring to the country’s formal name.
The monitoring group is also looking at other North Korean actions that violate UN sanctions, including the country’s alleged delivery of conventional arms and munitions.
According to the report, Pyongyang has resumed trading. It also highlighted the isolated country’s increasing acquisition of foreign consumer goods, which could be classified as luxury items and prohibited under the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council.
The experts also noted investigations into reports that there are North Korean nationals working abroad, which is a violation of sanctions. The DPRK government is accessing the international financial system and engaging in illicit financial operations, they added.
The panel warned that despite the UN sanctions, Pyongyang developed nuclear weapons, produced nuclear fissile materials, continued ballistic missile launches, launched a satellite into orbit and built a nuclear attack submarine.