North Korea's army of world-class hackers is secret weapon that took down Binance

North Korea cultivates an elite army of hackers, utilizing them as a secret weapon to carry out high-stakes cyber operations, according to defectors and analysts. The country identifies and trains top students, often from as young as 11 or 12 years old, to become cyber operatives. These hackers are rewarded with perks such as spacious apartments in Pyongyang and significant amounts of hard currency, despite working grueling hours.

Leader Kim Jong Un established this program over a decade ago, selecting 200 of the smartest middle school students each year to study computer engineering. The most talented are eventually chosen to join the military's cyber unit, where they undergo further training in areas like cryptocurrency protocols and reverse-engineering foreign hardware.

While other students may pursue prestigious careers, the North Korean hackers are dedicated to serving the regime, often receiving additional privileges like travel abroad and high-status marriages. Despite the FBI and Binance attributing the recent $6.3 billion Binance hack to North Korea, Pyongyang has consistently denied involvement.

North Korean state media does not publicly acknowledge these hackers' achievements, but they highlight students with programming talent. The North's cyberwarfare operations comprise approximately 8,400 people, with state backing making them more dangerous and harder to counter. This organized and disciplined group uses AI extensively in their operations, setting them apart from other hacking groups associated with North Korea.