West releases N-Korean hacker caution

(MENAFN) British, American, and South Korean intelligence agencies have jointly issued a warning regarding a global cyber espionage operation orchestrated by a North Korean hacking group. The advisory, released by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), part of the British GCHQ intelligence agency, along with the American FBI, NSA, and Pentagon, as well as South Korean national intelligence and police agencies, highlights the activities of the hacking group known as Andariel.

NCSC's Director of Operations, Paul Chichester, emphasized the severity of the threat posed by Andariel, stating that the group's actions are aimed at supporting North Korea's military and nuclear programs. The hackers have reportedly targeted defense, aerospace, nuclear, and engineering sectors in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, Andariel is accused of conducting cyber attacks on hospitals and healthcare organizations in the United States, allegedly for extortion purposes to fund further espionage activities.

The United States Department of State has offered a reward of up to USD10 million for information leading to the arrest of Rim Jong Hyok, believed to be associated with Andariel. According to the advisory, Andariel's targets have included American healthcare providers, military contractors, United States Air Force bases, and the NASA Office of Inspector-General (OIG).

NCSC has identified Andariel as part of North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, specifically the third directorate, and has warned that the group continues to pose an ongoing threat to critical infrastructure worldwide. The joint advisory underscores the international community’s efforts to combat cyber threats originating from North Korea, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity vigilance and cooperation among nations to mitigate such risks.

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