APT / THREAT GROUP🕵️ ESPIONAGEADVANCED

APT45

🇰🇵North Korea-attributed
1
campaigns
1
aliases
Last seen:Mar 17, 2026

Intelligence Profile

APT45 is a North Korean cyber threat actor that has been active since at least 2009. They have conducted espionage campaigns targeting government agencies and defense industries, as well as financially-motivated operations, including ransomware development. APT45 has targeted critical infrastructure, financial organizations, nuclear research facilities, and healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. They use a mix of publicly available tools, modified malware, and custom malware families in their operations.

Threat Analysis

APT45 is a advanced-sophistication threat actor attributed to North Korea, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of espionage.

The group's espionage-oriented operations suggest a state-sponsored or state-aligned mandate, typically focused on stealing intellectual property, government secrets, or military intelligence. Targets are usually selected for strategic value rather than financial gain.

Classified as an advanced threat actor, APT45 likely develops or acquires zero-day exploits, employs custom malware toolchains, and demonstrates long-term persistence capabilities — hallmarks of a well-resourced operation consistent with nation-state backing.

Known Campaigns

APT45 — Active Operations March 2026

APT45 is a espionage threat actor attributed to North Korea. APT45 is a North Korean cyber threat actor that has been active since at least 2009. They have conducted espionage campaigns targeting government agencies and defense industries, as well as financially-motivated operations, including ransomware development. APT45 has targeted cri...

ACTIVEHIGH2026

External References

Quick Facts

TypeAPT / Threat Group
Motivation🕵️ espionage
Sophisticationadvanced
Origin🇰🇵 North Korea
Aliases1
SourceMalpedia

Also Known As

APT45

Research Links

Data sourced from Malpedia, Ransomware.live, RansomLook, and CTIWATCH OSINT collection. Actor attribution is based on available intelligence and may be incomplete.