{
  "id": 10615386,
  "title": "North Korean hackers steal millions in crypto heist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/north-korean-hackers-steal-millions-in-crypto-heist",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-29T04:52:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-29/north-korean-waterplum-steal-millions-ai-crypto-hack/107203942"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A North Korean hacking collective, called WaterPlum, is stealing millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency through a scheme involving fake job postings targeting IT professionals across hundreds of countries. The group infiltrated at least 30,000 devices, stealing $10.71 million worth of digital currency from 7,000 accounts between December 2025 and July 2025. The scam involved IT professionals receiving fake job offers, downloading files for software like Zoom, and then being asked to disable their cameras during online interviews. WaterPlum also used AI face-swapping software during interviews and claimed to operate as North Korean IT workers at various companies. The hacking group's activities were discovered after Japanese authorities identified a \"laptop farm\" and traced cryptocurrency transfers to locations outside Japan. The laptop farm was often located in North Korea, China, Russia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Cybersecurity experts warn that such scams are becoming more frequent due to AI advancements, which enable hackers to work faster and more efficiently. Experts suggest simple cybersecurity measures such as changing passwords regularly, keeping devices updated, and avoiding suspicious links and software to protect against such attacks.",
  "summary": "A North Korean hacking group infiltrated 30,000 devices stealing millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency from people in hundreds of countries.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}