Cryptocurrency Heists and Cyber Vulnerabilities

This chapter explores the intricate details of a high-profile cryptocurrency heist, focusing on how hackers, particularly the notorious Lazarus Group, exploited security vulnerabilities and utilized social engineering tactics to execute a $1.4 billion theft. It examines the evolution of North Korea's cyber capabilities, the laundering of stolen assets, and the implications for cryptocurrency exchanges while drawing historical parallels to previous financial crimes. Additionally, the chapter reflects on the broader consequences of these events on the cryptocurrency ecosystem and the ongoing challenges of tracing illicit funds.