North Korean hackers stole over $2B in crypto in 2025, linked to 76% of major exchange attacks

North Korean hacker groups stole more than $2 billion in cryptocurrencies in 2025, up 50% year-on-year, BlockBeats reports on Dec. 19. A single attack on Bybit in February 2025 accounted for about $1.5 billion, representing three quarters of North Korea's roughly $2 billion in illicit proceeds for the year. Since 2016, North Korea has accumulated $6.7 billion from crypto theft, and its hacker organizations were linked to 76% of major exchange and platform hacking incidents this year, the highest share ever recorded. Network research group SEAL member Pablo Sabbatella said the situation is "much worse than people think," noting that 30% to 40% of job applications received by crypto firms are allegedly filed by North Korean agents seeking infiltration.