CertiK Report Says North Korea-Linked Crypto Theft Exceeded 1 Trillion Yen in 10 Years

According to CertiK (blockchain security firm), the report describes North Korea-linked hacking as a long-running, state-backed operation targeting the digital asset sector.

Summary

A report from CertiK (blockchain security firm) says crypto theft linked to North Korea may have developed into a state-backed operation, with cumulative losses exceeding 1 trillion yen over the past 10 years. The report ties the prolonged damage to North Korea and frames the activity as part of a sustained threat to the digital asset industry. In the crypto market, large-scale thefts often involve attacks on exchanges, wallets, or smart contracts (self-executing blockchain code), making blockchain security and custody controls critical for platforms handling customer funds.

Terms & Concepts
  • Smart contract: Self-executing blockchain code that runs automatically when preset conditions are met; vulnerabilities in it can be exploited to steal digital assets.
  • Blockchain security: The set of tools and practices used to protect crypto networks, wallets, exchanges, and on-chain applications from hacks and unauthorized access.
  • Crypto theft: The unauthorized taking of digital assets, often through exchange breaches, private key compromise, phishing, or software exploits.