Three countries accuse North Korea of attempting to steal military secrets for its nuclear program
Illustrative photo: North Korea is trying to steal military secrets for its nuclear program (Getty Images)
North Korean hackers are trying to steal the military secrets of other countries to support their nuclear weapons program. This is stated in a report by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US National Security Agency, the UK National Cyber Security Center, and the South Korean National Intelligence Service, according to DW.
The report notes that hackers, identified by cybersecurity researchers as the Anadriel group, have attacked or breached the computer systems of a number of defense and engineering companies, including manufacturers of tanks, submarines, military ships, fighter jets, missiles, and radar systems.
Anadriel is a division of Pyongyang’s espionage agency.
"The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that North Korean state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programs," said Paul Chichester from the UK's National Cyber Security Center.
According to the FBI, Anadriel hackers exploited software vulnerabilities to conduct cyberattacks, including malware and phishing, to gain access to confidential data and information.
They sought specifications and design drawings related to uranium processing and enrichment, as well as details on missiles and missile defense systems.
In light of this, the FBI has urged companies operating in the defense, aerospace, nuclear, and manufacturing sectors "to remain vigilant in defending their networks from North Korea-state-sponsored cyber operations."
What preceded
North Korea possesses nuclear weapons and has repeatedly conducted nuclear drills. As part of these exercises, North Korea conducts ballistic missile launches, which create tension in the region.
For instance, at the end of April, news emerged about nuclear counterattack drills held in North Korea.
