North Korea has taken a significant step in enhancing its cyber warfare capabilities by establishing a new research center under the military’s Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB).
This initiative, led by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aims to strengthen the country’s offensive hacking technologies and programs, particularly focusing on AI-powered hacking.
Background and Objectives
In late February, Kim Jong Un issued an order to enhance overseas information warfare capabilities, which included the establishment of “Research Center 227” for hacking technology research.
The center officially began operations on March 9 and is situated in Mangyongdae District, separate from the RGB headquarters in Hyongjesan District.
While there is a belief within the RGB that the center will enhance foreign intelligence collection, its primary focus is on developing offensive hacking technologies rather than information gathering.
The center’s main missions include researching techniques to neutralize security networks, developing AI-based information theft technologies, hacking financial assets, and establishing automated programs for information collection and analysis.
Operational Strategy and Personnel
North Korean authorities plan to operate Research Center 227 around the clock to respond immediately to real-time information from RGB hacking groups deployed overseas.
According to the Report, this continuous operation will allow for the rapid development of sophisticated hacking programs.
The RGB is currently recruiting about 90 computer experts who have graduated with outstanding results from major universities and doctoral programs.
These experts will focus on developing offensive programs rather than directly conducting cyber warfare missions abroad.
The personnel selected are talented individuals who majored in program development, automation systems, or information security.
The establishment of Research Center 227 is expected to significantly strengthen the RGB’s cyber operational capabilities in the future.
By concentrating resources and personnel on developing advanced hacking technologies, North Korea aims to neutralize Western countries’ cybersecurity systems and enhance its ability to steal information and disrupt computer networks.
This move underscores North Korea’s commitment to expanding its cyber warfare capabilities, posing a growing threat to global cybersecurity.
