Priya PatelTLDR:
- North Korea man indicted for cyber attacks on hospitals and military bases
- Accused of using ransomware attacks to finance cyber attacks on defense contractors
Federal authorities have indicted Rim Jong Hyok, a member of North Korea’s military intelligence agency, for launching ransomware attacks on hospitals in Kansas and other states. Hyok’s group, known as Andariel, used ransom payments from these attacks to finance cyber attacks on military bases and defense contractors. The FBI led the investigation, identifying 17 victims between May 2021 and March 2023. Hyok faces federal charges of conspiracy to hack computers and conspiracy to launder money. The U.S. State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information about Hyok and the cybersecurity attacks. The indictment demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting American organizations from foreign intrusion.
Full Article:
Federal authorities have indicted Rim Jong Hyok, a member of North Korea’s military intelligence agency, for launching ransomware attacks on hospitals in Kansas and other states. Hyok’s group, known as Andariel, used ransom payments from these attacks to finance cyber attacks on military bases and defense contractors. The FBI led the investigation, identifying 17 victims between May 2021 and March 2023. Hyok faces federal charges of conspiracy to hack computers and conspiracy to launder money. The U.S. State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information about Hyok and the cybersecurity attacks. The indictment demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting American organizations from foreign intrusion.
Hyok was a member of North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, a military intelligence agency. The group used a malware tool called Maui to seize control of a Kansas hospital’s servers and left behind a ransom note demanding a cryptocurrency payment. The group then laundered the ransom money to fund attacks on military bases and defense companies. The FBI was able to identify a cryptocurrency account linked to the scheme and recover funds to be returned to the victims.
The indictment of Hyok highlights the importance of cybersecurity in protecting critical infrastructure and national security. The U.S. attorney emphasized the government’s resolve to use every tool to defend against foreign intrusion. The case also underscores the need for international cooperation in combating cyber threats. While Hyok was last known to be living in North Korea, the U.S. government is working with international partners to pursue justice in this case.
