North Korean Hackers Cash Out $300 Million from $1.5 Billion ByBit Crypto Heist

In a highly sophisticated cyberattack, North Korea's Lazarus Group reportedly stole $1.5 billion in Ethereum from the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, marking one of the largest heists in history. The incident unfolded swiftly after Bybit CEO Ben Zhou conducted routine transfers on February 21, 2025, only to discover later that the funds had been redirected to numerous digital wallets, according to reports by The New York Times and the FBI. The FBI confirmed that Lazarus executed the operation through a supply chain attack on Safe{Wallet}, the provider for Bybit’s cold wallet—traditionally viewed as secure due to its offline status. Analysts have highlighted the meticulous planning and execution of this attack, showcasing Lazarus's expertise in cybercrime (Hervé Lambert, Panda Security). Following the heist, Bybit customers withdrew around $10 billion in cryptocurrency, causing a 20% drop in Bitcoin’s value, the largest since the collapse of FTX in 2022. This hack exposes the growing threat posed by state-sponsored cybercriminals as cryptocurrencies become increasingly vulnerable.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently oversaw tests of advanced suicide drones equipped with artificial intelligence, emphasizing unmanned technology as a crucial aspect of modern military development. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim highlighted the need for unmanned aircraft and AI to be prioritized in the country's weapons modernization efforts. During the inspection, Kim examined upgraded reconnaissance drones capable of detecting various targets and enemy activities both on land and at sea. The tests are seen as part of North Korea's broader initiative to advance its drone capabilities, including the development of kamikaze munitions, amidst increasing military cooperation with Russia. The KCNA report noted Kim's commitment to fostering a long-term national program aimed at excelling in the competition for intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles for military applications. This push occurs as North Korean troops reportedly gain battlefield experience through participation in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, signaling a significant shift in the region's military dynamics.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of new suicide drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of unmanned control and AI in modern military advancements. According to the KCNA state news agency, Kim inspected upgraded reconnaissance drones capable of identifying tactical targets and tracking enemy activities both on land and at sea during an event reported on March 27, 2025. Kim asserted that the development of unmanned equipment and AI technologies should be prioritized in the nation’s weapons modernization efforts. He called for a long-term national program aimed at leading the global competition in intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles for military use. This development comes amidst an increased focus on drone technology, including kamikaze munitions, as North Korea strengthens military collaboration with Russia. North Korean troops have reportedly gained significant drone warfare experience through their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.