North Korean-Linked Lazarus Group Allegedly Behind $1.4 Billion Bybit Hack
The North Korean cybercriminal organization Lazarus Group has allegedly carried out one of the largest cryptocurrency heists to date, breaching Bybit and stealing more than $1.4 billion in Ether.
| Key Takeaways: – North Korean-linked Lazarus Group allegedly breached Bybit, stealing over $1.4 billion in digital assets through sophisticated cyber tactics. – The stolen funds were quickly moved across cryptocurrency mixers and DEXs and converted into different cryptocurrencies to evade tracking. |
The attack, first reported on Friday, was identified by blockchain analysis firms, including Arkham Intelligence and Elliptic, with additional insights from online investigator ZachXBT.
According to analysts, the group executed the attack with a high degree of sophistication, using test transactions to identify vulnerabilities before forging fraudulent transaction signatures. During the breach, Lazarus Group reportedly hijacked Bybit’s cold Ethereum wallet in the middle of a routine transfer, enabling them to siphon funds without immediate detection.
Lazarus Group is known for its advanced laundering techniques, which were also evident in this latest attack. The stolen assets were rapidly moved across cryptocurrency mixers and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) to obfuscate their origin. A tactic called “chain-hopping” was also employed, where the hackers converted blockchain-based assets into different cryptocurrencies to further complicate tracking efforts.
Elliptic, one of the firms tracking the stolen assets, stated that the Bybit hack eclipses many previous breaches in the industry. It surpasses notable incidents such as the $611 million stolen from Poly Network in 2021 and the $570 million taken from Binance in 2022, making it one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts on record.
The Largest Crypto Thefts of All Time. Source: Elliptic
The methods used in the Bybit hack mirror previous high-profile cryptocurrency breaches attributed to Lazarus. These include the $600 million theft from Ronin Network in 2022 and the $100 million stolen from Harmony Horizon Bridge in 2023. Experts note that the group continues to refine its cybercrime strategies, making each successive attack more difficult to trace and recover.
Bybit, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 by CEO Ben Zhou, has rapidly expanded its global reach. The platform offers various services, including cryptocurrency trading, passive income products, and an NFT marketplace, but restricts access in certain jurisdictions, such as the United States, mainland China, and Singapore.
| Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and investing involves risk. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor. |
