Washington, USA – The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on electronic networks and information technology workers linked to North Korea.
Accusing them of involvement in cyber fraud and theft of digital currencies,
It is used to fund the nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs developed by the North Korean regime.
The ministry said in a statement issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC),
The new measure represents a “decisive step” in confronting illegal activities.
Which Pyongyang implements online to circumvent international sanctions imposed on it for years.
Cyber attacks
The statement explained that hackers linked to North Korea had managed
to steal more than $3 billion over the past three years, mostly cryptocurrencies.
Through sophisticated cyberattacks that used malware
and social engineering techniques to infiltrate the systems of financial institutions
and technology companies around the world.
The Treasury Department confirmed that these funds
“represent a major source of funding for North Korea’s internationally prohibited programs.”
She noted that the sanctions target individuals, companies
and institutions that act as fronts for those networks in several countries.
It provides them with a commercial cover to facilitate money transfers
and laundering of digital proceeds.
Enhancing cybersecurity
Washington also warned that the North Korean regime
uses thousands of IT specialists spread around the world.
Especially in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, those who work remotely
for foreign companies without the companies knowing their true affiliation,
This is with the aim of transferring their profits to the state coffers in Pyongyang.
The ministry stressed the United States’ commitment to continuing to work
with its international partners to enhance cybersecurity
and pursue those supporting North Korean activities.
Calling on the private sector to strengthen its security checks
and adopt strict procedures to verify the identity of applicants
for remote jobs in the technology field.
Western fears
These sanctions come at a time of growing Western concerns
about North Korea’s expanding cyber capabilities.
Which has become a primary source of funding for its military programs,
Especially in light of the economic sanctions imposed on
it since its recent nuclear and missile tests.
