In late February, the Supreme Command issued an order to the RGB’s General Staff Department in order to enhance overseas information war capabilities. This order included instructions for the establishment of Research Center 227 to research hacking technology” a source saidDaily NK.
Persistent operations
The research center is likely to be focused on “strengthening hacking capabilities” and develop hacking technologies and programs in order to neutralize western cybersecurity systems and critical infrastructure.
These offensives will primarily aim to steal information and disrupt adversary computer networks.
The center will reportedly recruit around 90 computer experts and graduates from high-profile university and doctoral programs, the source confirmed;
“These are not cyber warriors who directly carry out information warfare missions in foreign locations, but internal research staff who develop offensive programs. With the establishment of Research Center 227, the RGB’s cyber operational capabilities will be significantly strengthened in the future.”
Cyber operations in North Korea have been launched increasingly in recent times, especially from the notorious Lazarus group, which has been observed spreading malware through various large-scale attacks, and deploying infostealers to grab credentials from western organizations.
Notably, North Korean hackers have been running the ‘Contagious Interview’ campaign with fake interviews or job adverts which prompts victims to download malware disguised as video conference software.
Also included in this campaign is a series of cybercriminals faking their identities in order to take up software jobs, most likely in order to gain access to critical service systems and information from large western firms, or other fraudulent behavior.
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