In this episode of Threat Vector, host David Moulton speaks with Assaf Dehan, Director of Threat Research at Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex team, about the rising cyber threat from North Korea. Dehan, a cybersecurity expert with over 18 years of experience, discusses the nation’s strategic shift towards cybercrime for financial gain, highlighting the scale and sophistication of their operations. Together, they examine the evolution of North Korea’s hacking capabilities—from high-profile attacks like the 2014 Sony hack to current, more calculated cyber operations, including crypto heists and malware targeting global financial institutions.
Dehan breaks down how North Korea has leveraged cyber warfare as a cost-effective, asymmetric strategy, allowing the regime to target various sectors, from tech to defense, while evading accountability. With billions of dollars reportedly generated through cybercrime, North Korea’s unique blend of espionage, sabotage, and financial crime poses a dual threat to governments and businesses alike.
00:00 Introduction to North Korean Cyber Threats
00:51 Meet the Expert: Asaf Dehankar
02:00 The Rise of North Korean Hackers
04:19 Notable Cyber Attacks by North Korea
10:30 North Korea’s Cyber Warfare Strategy
15:58 Infiltration Tactics and Supply Chain Attacks
20:42 Targeted Sectors and Defensive Measures
26:36 Global Collaboration and Human Factors
29:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Read the latest Threat Research on North Korean Threat Actors at
https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-north-korean-threat-groups-2024/ or https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/
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About Threat Vector
Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks is your premier podcast for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.
The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.
Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.
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