Officials say North Korean hacker groups are now using advanced artificial-intelligence tools to scan code-bases, identify vulnerabilities and replicate successful exploits across multiple blockchains within minutes. This marks a shift from manual operations to industrial-scale attacks that mix AI, crypto and state-backed resources. Major exchanges are reportedly adapting by deploying ‘AI-aware’ security-audit protocols and reallocating budgets to counter the threat. The trend heightens systemic risk in crypto-markets, prompting regulators to consider mandatory audit/disclosure regimes and raising questions on how weak links in decentralised ecosystems get exploited at scale.