North Korean Hackers Linked to $308M Bitcoin Theft in Japan, Authorities Report
Japan’s National Police Agency recently revealed that a hacker group called TraderTraitor, based in North Korea, was likely behind a major hack that resulted in the theft of $308 million in Bitcoin from a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange. The breach occurred at DMM Bitcoin, where a computer virus was planted on an employee responsible for handling deposits and withdrawals of virtual currency.
According to authorities, the virus infiltrated the system through a fake job recruitment note sent via LinkedIn. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures in the digital age.
In other news, the pope kicked off the Catholic Church’s historic 2025 Jubilee of “Hope” during traditional Christmas Eve ceremonies at the Vatican, with thousands of faithful Catholics in attendance. Over in Lebanon, the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad has significantly impacted Iran’s influence in the region, weakening its allies and potentially paving the way for new diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, an Israeli hostage who was released by Hamas tragically passed away, marking a somber turn of events following the terror group’s recent attack. And in Syria, protests erupted in Christian neighborhoods of the capital city after a Christmas tree was set on fire, reflecting the ongoing tensions in the region.
On a lighter note, a Dutch court recently handed down guilty verdicts to five individuals involved in a violent clash following a soccer match between an Israeli and Dutch team. It’s a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect, even in the heat of competition.
As we close out the year, the global semiconductor market is under scrutiny, with the United States launching an investigation into China’s dominance using anti-competitive tactics. And in the automotive world, Honda and Nissan are in talks for a potential merger that could create the third-largest car manufacturer globally.
Lastly, tragedy struck in Brazil with the loss of ten family members in a small plane crash near Gramado. Our hearts go out to their loved ones during this difficult time. These events remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our time with those we care about.
