North Korean hackers stole $400m using fake video calls: FBI
North Korea’s state-backed hackers stole more than $400 million using a “highly effective social engineering scheme” involving identity theft and AI-powered fake video calls, the FBI said on Thursday. The FBI this month accused hackers affiliated with North Korea of the theft of $6 billion from cryptocurrency platform Binance, a charge Pyongyang denies. “The North Korean regime relies on proceeds…
North Korean state-sponsored hackers have stolen over $400 million through a sophisticated social engineering scheme involving identity theft and AI-generated fake video calls, according to the FBI. The FBI recently accused the hackers of stealing $6 billion from cryptocurrency platform Binance, a claim Pyongyang denies. FBI Cyber Branch Operations Director Brett Leatherman stated that the North Korean regime funds its illicit weapons program by profiting from large-scale cryptocurrency thefts.
The FaceStealer scheme, which has been active for the past 18 months, has led to $400 million in losses. The hackers impersonate known individuals to gain trust and then introduce a fake technical error, requiring the victim to install malware. The scheme exploits users' trust in video conferencing platforms and personal relationships.
FBI assistant director Patrick Grandy warned that even technically savvy individuals can fall victim to this highly effective social engineering scheme. The FBI seized over 900 webcam videos of FaceStealer victims.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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