North Korean hackers stole $3 billion in cryptocurrencies for nuclear program.

Over the past seven years, hackers from North Korea stole approximately $3 billion in cryptocurrencies, which was used for the development of the country's nuclear and missile program. This information is provided in a Microsoft report.

According to the report, about a third of the total amount was stolen last year. With these funds, Pyongyang financed more than half of its nuclear developments.

Since the beginning of last year, Microsoft has identified several new North Korean hacker groups that specialized in attacks on cryptocurrency organizations. Among them were groups such as Jade Sleet, Sapphire Sleet, Citrine Sleet. Also included in this list is the group Moonstone Sleet, which developed a special ransomware software tool and used it against organizations in the aerospace and defense industries to gather intelligence and obtain financial benefits.

The company reports that the activation of hackers and the creation of new groups indicate an increasing role of North Korea in the use of ransomware programs. The country uses cybercriminals to strengthen its financial resources and protect its strategic interests.

Additionally, Microsoft notes that hackers have more investments aimed at their training and increasing their potential.

Previously, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the U.S.'s willingness to negotiate with Russia, China, and North Korea to reduce the nuclear threat.

It is worth noting that around 1.4 million young people applied to join or return to the army, accusing Seoul of a provocative drone intrusion that led to a tense situation on the brink of war.

Also, on September 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new updated nuclear doctrine of the country, which includes the expansion of categories of states and military alliances to which nuclear deterrence applies. He also stated that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression against the Russian Federation and Belarus as a participant of the Union State.