Lazarus Group: North Korean Cyber Threats in Crypto and Beyond

When working with Lazarus Group, a state‑backed hacking outfit tied to North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau. Also known as North Korean Lazarus, it focuses on stealing crypto, running ransomware, and compromising supply‑chain software.

Another player in the same arena is North Korean cyber unit, the broader government network that funds the regime through illicit online activity. This unit supplies tools, money, and training to the Lazarus Group, so the two always move together. The unit’s goal is to generate revenue for the missile program, and it does that by turning crypto theft into a reliable cash stream.

Because of that revenue stream, crypto sanctions, legal measures that block the flow of illicit digital assets have become a primary defense. In 2025, OFAC added dozens of wallets linked to Lazarus, forcing exchanges to freeze accounts. The sanctions aim to cut off the group’s ability to launder stolen coins, which directly attacks their financing model.

One of the most visible ways the group shows up is through smart contract hacks, exploits that steal funds from decentralized finance platforms. When a DeFi protocol has a coding flaw, Lazarus can inject malicious code and walk away with millions. These hacks prove that the group knows both traditional cyber tactics and blockchain specifics.

To fight back, the industry relies on blockchain security tools, monitoring services that detect anomalous transactions and suspicious smart‑contract activity. Tools like chain analytics and real‑time alerts help exchanges spot Lazarus‑linked addresses before the money moves. When a tool flags a transaction, investigators can trace the flow back to the group’s infrastructure.

All these pieces fit together: the Lazarus Group runs attacks, the North Korean cyber unit funds them, crypto sanctions try to block the cash, smart contract hacks provide the loot, and security tools aim to catch the thieves. This chain of cause and effect shows why a single article can’t cover everything, but the collection below does.

Below you’ll find practical guides, recent case studies, and up‑to‑date data on how the group operates and what you can do to protect your assets. From detailed breach analyses to step‑by‑step security checklists, the posts give you a clear picture of the threat landscape.

Ready to dive deeper? Browse the articles to see real‑world examples of Lazarus attacks, learn how sanctions are enforced, and discover the best tools to shield your crypto holdings from this persistent adversary.