# North Korean Cyber Units Were Established in the Late 1990s

By Simon Yoon

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/53527
Published: 2026-11-11T03:32:00.000Z
Updated: 2026-11-11T03:32:00.000Z
Section: Technology

> Cyber operatives train for overseas operations, and elite hackers can retain up to 30% of illicit proceeds.

North Korea's cyberwarfare units date to the late 1990s, placing its cyber program in a longer-running security context for digital-asset markets and exchanges across the industry.

Elite performers study advanced mathematics alongside cryptocurrency systems. Overseas operations are part of cyber operatives' training.

As much as 30% of illicit proceeds may go to elite hackers.