Dr. Julie Kim
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea) has developed aggressive cyber operations that have evolved into serious global security threats. North Korea’s early cyberattacks were primarily politically motivated, focusing on collecting intelligence and gaining insight into how its adversaries operate. Key targets included government officials, academics, journalists, and North Korean defectors. In addition, the DPRK has targeted the defence industry to gain access to sensitive information on weapons development, with particular focus on technologies related to satellites and semiconductors.
The scope of these operations shifted dramatically toward financial gain after the United Nations adopted successive sanctions in response to its nuclear tests. Despite multiple sanctions and international efforts, North Korea continues to fund its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs through illicit cyber activities. This includes payments remitted by overseas information technology (IT) workers. A significant portion of financial theft is believed to support its nuclear and missile development programs. In fact, a former White House official claimed that about half of North Korea’s missile program is funded by cyberattacks and cryptocurrency theft. Thus, DPRK cyber operations are not only a cyber security issue, but also a direct threat to broader military and defence security.
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