Odaily Planet Daily News: According to a 2022 annual report from the US National Security Council, North Korean hackers stole virtual assets ranging from US$630 million to more than US$1 billion, which is twice the amount stolen in 2021. The group stated in the report: "North Korea uses increasingly sophisticated network technologies to enter digital networks involved in cyber finance and steal potentially valuable information, including its weapons programs." Although crypto hackers can sometimes be tracked, depending on whether the hackers leave criminal traces, according to the report, basic cryptocurrency and blockchain characteristics make tracking more difficult. The report added: "Illegally obtained virtual assets are protected by the anonymity of the blockchain and the obfuscation of asset channels through cryptocurrency exchanges." The report also encouraged member states to comply with FATF guidelines to curb the growing amount of stolen cryptocurrency funds. (Bitcoinist)