TechCrunch Industry News Hackers who exposed North Korean government hacker explain why they did it
Aug 21, 2025
Two daring hackers infiltrated a North Korean government hacker's computer, uncovering a trove of cyber espionage secrets. They discussed their motivations for exposing the wrongdoing and the ethical dilemmas of hacking. The hunt for evidence led to disturbing connections between these hackers and government-sponsored cyber operations. The risks they faced and their reflections on the impact of their actions highlight the murky waters of cybersecurity and international espionage.
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Hackers Breached A State-Linked Machine
- Two hackers, Saber and Cyborg, broke into a computer and realized it belonged to a suspected North Korean government hacker.
- They spent about four months exploring the machine and then decided to leak the findings to expose the activity.
Leaking Helped Expose Operational Infrastructure
- The intruders found evidence linking the machine to North Korean cyberespionage, exploits, tools, and infrastructure.
- They believed publicizing the data would help researchers detect and identify current victims.
Operator May Be China-Based Dual Asset
- The hackers suspected the operator "Kim" worked for North Korea but might be based in China and serve both states.
- Clues included work patterns around Chinese holidays and translations into simplified Chinese.