North Korean Hackers Steal $300M in Crypto via Fake Video Calls

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a persistent campaign by North Korean-linked hackers using fake video calls on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to steal cryptocurrency, with losses exceeding 300 million dollars so far. The attacks, which occur multiple times daily, target professionals in the crypto sector and rely on sophisticated social engineering to install malware that drains digital wallets.

The operation typically begins on messaging apps such as Telegram, where attackers compromise accounts belonging to trusted contacts, including venture capitalists or industry acquaintances. Using the hijacked account's existing chat history to build credibility, the hackers invite victims to a video meeting via a seemingly legitimate link, often disguised through scheduling tools like Calendly. Once the call connects, victims see what appears to be a live feed of their contact or team members, but the video is actually pre-recorded footage looped from public sources, such as podcasts or prior events, rather than AI-generated deepfakes.

During the meeting, the attacker simulates technical glitches, such as audio or video problems, and shares a file presented as a quick...