North Korea reportedly launches hacking unit focused on AI advancements

North Korea is reportedly establishing a new hacking unit called Research Center 227 within its intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), aimed at enhancing its cyber capabilities through offensive hacking technologies. This unit will operate around the clock, focusing on developing advanced AI tools for cyberattacks and responding to intelligence from overseas hacking groups. It is believed to have at least 90 cybersecurity professionals assigned to it and will look to exploit vulnerabilities in Western cybersecurity systems while also coordinating global hacking operations. North Korea’s cyber operations have gained notoriety for targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, with significant thefts such as the recent $1.4 billion hack of Bybit. The initiative appears to be part of a broader strategy to circumvent international sanctions and secure financial resources through cybercrime. U.S. intelligence agencies have previously linked the RGB to various hacking and espionage activities, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by North Korea’s cyber operations.