Technology · Singapore Bureau
North Korean hackers steal $400m using compromised webcams
US federal investigators have uncovered a sophisticated scheme in which North Korean-linked cybercriminals siphoned more than US$400 million from victims by accessing their webcam devices. The FBI has recovered over 900 victim videos as part of its ongoing investigation.
LSN Singapore ·
The FBI has attributed the large-scale theft to North Korean state-sponsored hackers who exploited compromised webcam systems to gain access to sensitive financial information and conduct extortion operations against individuals and businesses across multiple jurisdictions.
Federal agents executing search warrants recovered more than 900 videos captured from victim devices, providing crucial evidence of the scope and sophistication of the criminal operation. The investigation revealed that perpetrators leveraged webcam access to monitor targets, gather personal data, and coordinate fraudulent transactions.
The cyber campaign underscores persistent vulnerabilities in internet-connected consumer devices and the growing threat posed by organised cybercriminal networks operating from jurisdictions beyond easy law enforcement reach. Security experts have warned that compromised webcams remain a significant vector for identity theft, extortion and financial fraud.
The FBI has recommended that users update device firmware regularly, employ strong authentication measures, and disable webcam access for unused applications. Authorities continue their investigation and have urged organisations and individuals who believe they may be victims to report incidents to relevant law enforcement agencies.