The US has imposed new sanctions on individuals and organizations linked to North Korean IT worker activities. These measures aim to counter the cyber threats from Pyongyang.
Sanctions Against North Korean IT Workers
The US Treasury has sanctioned individuals and organizations associated with North Korean IT networks seeking fraudulent employment in American cryptocurrency firms.
Changes in North Korean Hackers' Tactics
North Korean hackers are shifting from direct hacking to deceptive recruitment schemes. Song Kum Hyok, a sanctioned individual, has been accused of stealing American identities used to obtain jobs in the crypto sector.
Rise of Cybercrime and Failed Schemes
TRM Labs reported that North Korean cyber criminals stole $1.6 billion in digital assets in early 2025, accounting for nearly 70% of all losses in the crypto market during that period. Consequently, US authorities have intensified actions to combat fraud.
The sanctions against North Korean IT workers highlight the US's commitment to combatting growing cyber threats and the evolving methods of income generation used by Pyongyang.
