North Korean hackers have launched an operation to steal nuclear and military secrets from governments and private companies around the world, Britain, the US and South Korea have warned.

According to the same sources, a group – known by the names Andariel and Onyx Sleet – targets defense, aerospace, nuclear and engineering agencies to obtain classified information, with the aim of advancing North Korea’s military and nuclear programs and ambitions.

The group has tried to extract information from a wide range of sectors – from uranium processing to tanks, submarines and torpedoes – and has targeted the UK, US, South Korea, Japan, India and other countries .

US Air Force Bases, NASA and defense companies have also reportedly been targeted.

The high-risk warning for the group concerns its work, which combines espionage and money-making activity, and raises concerns because of its impact on both sensitive technology and everyday life.

The US says the group finances its espionage activity through businesses ransomware against US healthcare entities.

Paul Chichester, operations manager for the UK National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCSC), part of GCHQ, said: “The global cyber espionage operation we have uncovered today shows the lengths they are prepared to go to.

“Critical infrastructure operators should be reminded of the importance of protecting the sensitive information and intellectual property they hold on their systems to prevent theft and misuse.”

The NCSC estimates that the Andariel team is part of North Korea’s 3rd Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB).

The joint warning issued by the US, UK and South Korea addresses advice to help defend against North Korean agents, who are also seeking information on robotic machinery, mechanical arms and 3D-printed parts.

This shows that North Korean groups also pose a serious threat to the daily lives of citizens and cannot be ignored,” said Michael Barnhart, Mandiant Principal Analyst at Google Cloud.

This warning is the latest in a series of others about North Korean hackers.

Some of the most high-profile cyber incidents have been linked to the country, including the 2014 attack on Sony Pictures in retaliation for a Hollywood comedy film depicting the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
North Korea is also known for the activities of the Lazarus Group which has carried out major thefts of millions of dollars.