Seoul: The head of the Czech Republic's cybersecurity agency has called on the global community, including governments, private companies, and international organizations, to unite in combating North Korea's expanding cyberattacks. These attacks, which traditionally targeted adversaries like the United States and South Korea, now pose a threat to countries worldwide.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lukas Kintr, director of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NUKIB), emphasized in a written interview the growing sophistication and creativity of North Korean threat actors. He highlighted their use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the scale and effectiveness of their cyber campaigns. These operations are financially motivated, aiming to fund the regime and its nuclear weapons program, thereby placing any country or institution at risk.
Kintr noted that the Czech Republic has also been targeted by North Korean cyberattacks. In 2023, the Czech defense sector experienced a campaign carried out by the Lazarus group, a hacking group believed to have direct links to Pyongyang. North Korea's cyber campaigns focus on financial gains, including ransomware attacks and cryptocurrency thefts. A joint statement by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan in January revealed that North Korean hackers had stolen approximately US$659 million in crypto assets in 2024 alone.
The cybersecurity chief pointed out North Korea's tactic of sending operatives abroad disguised as Western developers and engineers to remit their earnings back to Pyongyang, generating significant funds for its weapons programs. Kintr stressed the need for coordinated efforts among governments, private companies, and international organizations to counter such activities by making them "more costly and less attractive."
Kintr further elaborated that the global and cross-border nature of these threats requires international collaboration. Sharing intelligence, harmonizing regulations, and aligning sanctions or other countermeasures can increase the risks and reduce the benefits for those involved in hostile cyber operations. He underscored the potential role of cybersecurity cooperation between South Korea and the Czech Republic in deterring malicious behavior in cyberspace.
As part of his recommendations, Kintr emphasized the importance of bolstering cyber resilience in emerging technologies, such as AI, 5G and 6G networks, and quantum computing. He advocated for building a culture of cyber awareness and training through expert exchanges and joint exercises, which could transform strategic partnerships into tangible, long-term resilience.