Hyok

Rom Jong Hyok, known as hyok in the cybersecurity industry, is a significant threat actor allegedly involved in numerous ransomware attacks against healthcare facilities. According to the indictment, Hyok violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by using ransom payments from these attacks to facilitate further breaches into defense, technology, and government organizations worldwide. His activities have caused substantial damage and disruption, demonstrating a high level of sophistication and malicious intent. Hyok is reportedly part of Andariel, a notorious hacking group also known under various aliases such as APT45, Nickel Hyatt, Onyx Sleet, Silent Chollima, Stonefly, and TDrop2. This group has been linked to cyberattacks involving a ransomware strain named "Maui", which has targeted organizations in the US and Japan since 2022. The group's activities are extensive and global, posing a significant threat to critical infrastructure and sensitive industries. In response to these activities, the US Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the whereabouts of Rim Jong Hyok, Andariel, or their co-conspirators. This move underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by Hyok and his associates, and the US government's commitment to countering this threat to national and international security.