North Korean Hackers Stole Over $2 Billion In Crypto So Far In 2025, Researchers Say
Hackers linked to the North Korean government have reportedly stolen over $2 billion in crypto so far in 2025, according to new research from blockchain analysis firm Elliptic. This staggering figure makes it the largest annual total on record, with three months still left in the year.
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A Record Year For North Korean Crypto Theft
Elliptic revealed the findings in a blog post published Tuesday, calling the scale of theft “unprecedented.” The firm said the total comes from more than 30 separate hacks this year alone, showcasing North Korea’s growing focus on cryptocurrency as a source of illicit revenue.
The previous record was in 2022, when North Korea’s hackers stole roughly $1.35 billion in digital assets. Since 2017, Elliptic estimates the regime’s cybercriminals have stolen at least $6 billion worth of crypto — though the actual figure could be even higher.
“Attributing cyber thefts to North Korea is not an exact science,” Elliptic wrote. “We are aware of many other thefts that share hallmarks of North Korean activity but lack sufficient evidence to be definitively attributed.”
The company added that several thefts likely remain unreported or undetected, meaning the true total may far exceed current estimates.
From Crypto Exchanges To Individuals: A Shift In Tactics
Traditionally, North Korean hackers targeted major crypto exchanges, exploiting vulnerabilities in their systems. However, Elliptic noted that in 2025, attackers have expanded their focus to include high-net-worth individuals who hold large amounts of cryptocurrency.
This marks a strategic shift in how these cybercriminals operate. Instead of relying solely on technical exploits, hackers are increasingly turning to social engineering attacks — tricking or manipulating victims into revealing access credentials or approving fraudulent transactions.
“This shift highlights that the weak point in cryptocurrency security is increasingly human, rather than technical,” Elliptic explained.
The Growing Threat Of State-Sponsored Cybercrime
The findings align with other reports, including those from the United Nations Security Council, which previously estimated North Korean crypto thefts to be worth billions annually. Experts warn that these operations are a major source of funding for the regime’s nuclear weapons and missile programs, helping North Korea evade international sanctions.
Security analysts say the 2025 surge underscores the evolving sophistication of North Korea’s cyber units. The regime’s hackers often use complex laundering techniques — including decentralized exchanges and mixers — to obscure the flow of stolen funds.
Protecting The Future Of Crypto
As crypto theft continues to rise, cybersecurity experts urge both companies and individuals to strengthen digital asset protection. This includes using hardware wallets, enabling multi-factor authentication, and verifying all communications related to crypto transactions.
The Elliptic report serves as a reminder that cybersecurity in crypto isn’t just about technology — it’s about human awareness. With billions at stake, vigilance remains the best defense against an ever-expanding threat.
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