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North Korean hackers used fake video calls in $400m crypto hack, says FBI
North Korean state-linked hackers stole more than $400 million in cryptocurrency through a scheme using fake video calls, US authorities say. The FBI says the operation, called FaceStealer, has targeted over 900 people in the past 18 months, highlighting how social engineering can help fund North Korea’s weapons programme.
Hackers reportedly used fake or hijacked social media accounts to invite people, especially cryptocurrency and open-source software workers, to calls on imitation versions of Zoom, Teams or Meet. They played recordings of people the target knew, then prompted them to click a link to fix simulated audio problems; the link installed malware that could access contacts and apps. The hackers also secretly recorded calls to deceive further victims.
In short
- FBI says North Korean hackers stole over $400m in crypto.
- FaceStealer has reportedly ensnared more than 900 people.
- Fake calls and malware helped hackers target further victims.
Explained simply
North Korea is subject to international sanctions, including restrictions linked to its weapons programmes. US authorities say cybercrime is one way the country’s state-linked groups obtain money; cryptocurrency can be stolen and moved across borders without using traditional banks.
The reported scheme targeted people working in cryptocurrency and open-source software, using familiar video-call services and contacts to build trust. The FBI says attackers used fake or hijacked accounts, recordings and malicious links to gain access to victims’ devices, and sometimes recorded calls to help approach others.
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