North Korea’s Secret Cyber Army: How Kim Jong Un’s Hackers Are Targeting Global Financial Institutions

They do not carry guns or operate battle tanks, but they have emerged as a major threat to financial institutions and organisations across the world. North Korea is believed to have developed a highly organised cyber force under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, training hackers to target banks, government networks and cryptocurrency platforms. Reports have linked North Korean hacking groups to several major cyberattacks and cryptocurrency thefts. A claim circulating about a massive $6 billion theft involving Binance has also drawn attention to the growing threat. However, the specific figure and alleged incident require independent verification. According to accounts cited in reports, the country identifies academically gifted children at a young age and provides them with specialised training in coding, programming and cybersecurity.

The training reportedly follows strict rules, with recruits being kept away from the outside world and gradually introduced to increasingly complex cyber operations. They are said to begin with relatively basic targets before moving on to foreign financial institutions, government networks and cryptocurrency platforms. A Reuters report cited in the source material estimates that North Korea’s cyber force may have around 8,000 members, compared with approximately 6,000 in 2024. There are also allegations that successful hackers receive rewards, including luxury homes in Pyongyang. International observers have raised concerns that funds obtained through cybercrime could help North Korea bypass economic sanctions and support its weapons programmes. As a result, the country’s cyber operations have become a growing concern for governments and financial institutions worldwide.