U.S. Indicts North Korean Hacker, Offers $10M Reward

A Kansas City grand jury has indicted Rim Jong Hyok, a North Korean intelligence operative, for his involvement in ransomware attacks targeting U.S. hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Rim, associated with the North Korean military intelligence group Andariel, allegedly used ransomware to extort money from healthcare providers, which was then laundered to fund further cyberattacks on government, military, and defense entities. These cyberattacks included breaches at NASA, Randolph and Robins Air Force Bases, and various defense contractors. The U.S. Department of State has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Rim's capture, highlighting the significant threat posed by North Korean cyber activities. Despite the indictment, Rim remains at large in North Korea, complicating efforts to bring him to justice.