Cybersecurity

North Korea Is Suspect in Hack of Seoul Bitcoin Exchange

  • Attack seen as extension of April heist linked to North Korea
  • Youbit exchange closed and entered bankruptcy proceedings

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South Korean investigators are looking into North Korea’s possible involvement in the hack of a Seoul-based cryptocurrency exchange that collapsed this week, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

Yapian, the owner of bitcoin exchange Youbit, said Tuesday that it would close and enter bankruptcy proceedings after a cyberattack that claimed 17 percent of its total assets. It was also hit by an attack in April that local media have linked to North Korean hackers.