United States and 10 allies warn of North Korean workers in the information technology sector

Washington, July 31 (KUNA) -- The United States and ten allies issued a joint alert today, Friday, warning that North Korean information technology (IT) workers are funding Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, stealing sensitive information and cryptocurrencies. The alert was issued in a joint statement by ministries and agencies from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The statement confirmed that these North Korean IT workers assume the identities of citizens from other countries to obtain jobs through online platforms operated by private recruitment, procurement, and service contracting firms, before transferring their salaries to entities linked to North Korea. It clarified that these workers pose an internal threat to companies, as they are involved in data breaches, cryptocurrency theft, and the theft of sensitive information, while continuously refining their methods, including the use of artificial intelligence technologies to conceal their identities and expand their activities globally. The statement called on countries, companies, and relevant entities to raise awareness of the North Korean IT worker schemes and take effective measures to counter them. It also recommended that companies operating online platforms strengthen identity verification procedures, conduct in-person interviews during hiring, and enhance systems for monitoring suspicious accounts and activities. (End) R.S.R. / M.N.F.