Cyber Security Threat Summary:
On Thursday the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight North Korean agents for facilitating sanctions evasion including revenue generation and missile-related technology procurement that support the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) weapons of mass destruction programs. The OFAC also imposed sanctions on the Kimsuky, a North Korean cyber espionage group that has been gathering intelligence to support DPRK-related objectives. The sanctions aim to target the DPRK’s access to revenue and weapons, which are being generated via state-owned entities and global trade and bank representatives. By sanctioning the agents and individuals associated with DPRK’s state-owned entities and banks, the OFAC hopes to prevent the illicit financial operations being used to fund DPRK initiatives.

Security Officer Comments:
The OFAC states that these sanctions are in direct response to Pyongyang launching its military reconnaissance satellite last month, which can be used to gain intelligence on other nations. The goal of the latest sanctions is to prevent North Korea from obtaining additional funds which will go towards improving the spy satellite and other military operations.

Link(s):
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-govt-sanctions-north-koreas-kimsuky-hacking-group/