South Korea Reports: 8,400 North Koreans in Cyber Warfare Operations
According to recent data, the number of cybercrime specialists in North Korea has reached approximately 8,400, marking a 20% increase compared to two years ago. This information comes from the South Korean publication Dong-A Ilbo, citing the South Korean National Intelligence Institute. The “2022 Defense White Paper” by South Korea’s Ministry of Defense indicated that in 2016, the number of such specialists stood at 6,800. The sharp rise in the number of cybercriminals is attributed to the active development of cyber technologies and an increase in the number of attacks.
South Korean authorities express concern over the rapid growth of cybercrime in North Korea. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is actively promoting the development of hacking skills among the country’s citizens by offering monetary rewards. Amidst intensified sanctions and economic difficulties, the country is essentially betting all its efforts on achieving success in cyberattacks to gain financial and technological benefits. It is reported that Kim Jong Un personally orders the expansion of cyber operations and the improvement of hackers’ skills, offering them substantial financial incentives.
Intelligence sources estimate that the number of cyber specialists in North Korea may continue to grow. Information technology specialists are actively involved in developing software with malicious code and stealing virtual assets. Over time, the methods and objectives of North Korean hacker attacks have become increasingly diverse and audacious. Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, the country is concentrating significant resources on training hackers, and establishing specialized educational institutions.
The South Korean Intelligence Agency also notes that North Korea operates its university within the structure of the intelligence agency, where cybercriminals are trained. In 2009, Kim Jong Un merged various units engaged in subversive activities against South Korea, creating a unified intelligence agency. This key body reports directly to Kim Jong Un and receives direct instructions from him.
In 2023, Kim Jong Un issued a decree stating that candidates for hackers should be selected based solely on their abilities, regardless of their background. This decision highlights the high importance the North Korean leadership places on developing cybercrime as a source of financial gain.
According to intelligence data, North Korea actively selects children with outstanding abilities in mathematics and computer sciences and enrolls them in specialized training programs for cybercriminals. These programs include initial, specialized, and advanced courses, preparing future hackers for real cyberattacks.
The most talented graduates of North Korean hacker training institutions are sent to internships at foreign universities or short-term courses within the country. They acquire practical skills, which they then apply as part of hacker groups such as Lazarus and Kimsuky, carrying out cyberattacks to support the nuclear program and strengthen the regime.
