Defense

Security firm says North Korean hackers have stolen millions from banks worldwide

North Korea has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars globally since 2014 by hacking banks’ computer systems, according to a new report from a U.S. security firm.

Fire Eye’s report released Wednesday found that a group backed by Pyongyang was responsible for operations across more than 16 organizations and at least 11 countries.

According to the firm, the group remains “an active global threat.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned Tuesday that North Korean hackers were using malware to withdraw cash from Asian and African banks.

DHS reported that Hidden Cobra, the federal government’s term for the North Korean hacking group, had taken tens of millions of dollars from ATMs over the last two years. 

The report comes amid high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and the isolated nation regarding North Korea’s denuclearization.

President Trump, who previously spoke highly of America’s relationship with North Korea under his leadership, has reportedly become frustrated with the lack of progress.

The U.S. is sending Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un next week.

A spokesperson for Pyongyang has said that the country will not give up its nuclear capabilities until it has “trust in the U.S.