UK and South Korea unite against surging North Korean-linked threats

Advisory emphasises ‘critical concern’

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) have issued a stark warning about escalating cyber attacks from North Korean state-linked groups. These attacks, they say, are becoming more sophisticated and widespread.

The advisory emphasises a critical concern: North Korean-backed hackers are increasingly exploiting unknown vulnerabilities in third-party software within organisational supply chains. This method allows them to infiltrate systems with potentially devastating consequences.

The danger lies in the complex and connected nature of software supply chains. A single breach can have a domino effect, impacting multiple organisations and potentially leading to more severe disruptions and/or further deployment of ransomware.

'Far reaching consequences'

Paul Chichester, NCSC Director of Operations, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, software supply chain attacks can have profound, far-reaching consequences for impacted organisations."

The joint advisory, notably issued without the involvement of other Five Eyes agencies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US and UK), is the first of its kind from the NCSC. It coincides with the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the UK and the announcement of a new Strategic Cyber Partnership between the UK and the Republic of Korea.

Chichester urged organisations to heed the advisory's mitigative actions, emphasising the need to enhance resilience against supply chain attacks and minimise the risk of compromise. The agencies predict a likely increase in such attacks and stress the importance of proactive measures.