North Korean hacking of Russian technology highlights regime's distrust: experts

This image shows Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu looking at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27. Yonhap

But allies expected to promote unity out of necessity

By Jung Min-ho

A team of North Korean hackers reportedly breached the computer networks of a major Russian weapons maker for at least five months last year, in an episode analysts said demonstrates deep-rooted distrust between the two countries.

According to Reuters, the hackers secretly installed stealthy digital back doors into systems at NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a leading manufacturer of missiles and military spacecraft based in Reutov, east of Moscow.

Speaking to The Korea Times, Tuesday, experts said the North Korean attempt to damage Russia's key national interest probably did not surprise Moscow, which knows its ally all too well. They also believe the two countries would nevertheless continue to promote unity as if nothing serious had happened, given that "they desperately need each other."

"The revelation shows mistrust between North Korea and Russia. Their common objective of countering the U.S.-led West has united them, but they have not been able to build enough trust for each other," Chung Eun-sook, an expert on Russia at the Sejong Institute, a think tank, said.

"Their ties are almost entirely based on geopolitical or economic interests rather than values. So the relationship has always been more vulnerable to external factors," Chung added.

Moscow in the 1990s, for example, improved its ties with the West and Seoul following the collapse of the Soviet Union, which deteriorated ties with Pyongyang. Their diplomatic relations have since gone through ups and downs, with Moscow joining the international criticism of Pyongyang's military provocations from time to time. But Russia's war in Ukraine and a new Cold War climate have brought them closer, Chung said.

News of the computer network breach comes shortly after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to North Korea in July on the occasion of the anniversary marking the 1950-53 Korean War armistice. She thinks that Russia pushed for the trip despite knowing the breach and other such attempts.

"This demonstrates Russia's desperation. It needs weapons and support on the world stage. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has learned that North Korea could be useful for both purposes during and after the conflict. Moscow may have warned Pyongyang privately, but it would continue to promote unity as it cannot afford the other option," Chung said.

The targeted company has been among the key developers of hypersonic weapons. During the Cold War, it was responsible for several major projects including the development of the UR-100N intercontinental ballistic missile, a technology North Korea is eager to obtain.

In the months following the network breach, the North announced developments in its banned ballistic missile program, but it remains unclear if the progress was the direct result of information stolen from Russia.

Despite the network breach, North Korea and Russia's relations will likely continue to improve, said Kim Jung-sup, an expert on security and international relations at the Sejong Institute.

"North Korea has been worried that its dependence on China grows too much. This is why it has been proactive in improving relations with Russia and the U.S. in recent years. With the Washington side showing little sign of progress at this point, the North is expected to focus more on Russia in the coming years," he said.