North Korean Nationals Reportedly Applying for Crypto Jobs to Infiltrate Projects for Malicious Purposes

cryptonews.com:

North Korean national fake job applicants are reportedly applying for crypto jobs to infiltrate projects for malicious purposes, making hiring even more difficult.

A recent investigation has uncovered a troubling trend where doctored CVs are being used to deceive crypto companies.

NEW: NORTH KOREAN NATIONALS ARE APPLYING FOR CRYPTO JOBS TO INFILTRATE PROJECTS FOR NEFARIOUS PURPOSES – PER @DLNewsInfo pic.twitter.com/gfzEDCJIjp

— DEGEN NEWS (@DegenerateNews) July 15, 2024

According to the report by DL News , mounting evidence suggests that many of these bogus applicants are North Korean nationals aiming to infiltrate crypto projects for malicious purposes, such as gathering sensitive data, hacking, and asset theft.

“It’s an operational hazard for the industry,” said Shaun Potts, founder of the crypto-specific recruiting firm Plexus.

“It’s an ongoing thing, in the same way that hacking is a thing within tech. You can’t stop it, but you can minimise its risks.”

According to a recent United Nations Security Council report, over 4,000 North Koreans have been directed to conceal their identities and seek jobs in technology sectors, including crypto.

The council’s recent 615-page report noted that North Korean hackers have stolen $3 billion worth of crypto assets from 58 suspected cyberheists over the past seven years. The UN estimates that the fake hiring scheme alone earns North Korea up to $600 million annually.

Taylor Monahan, lead security researcher at MetaMask, explained that North Korea generates revenue by illegally selling resources, doing IT work, doing hard labor, and hacking.

This new development poses a fresh challenge for an increasingly mainstream industry , with Bitcoin ETFs and growing DeFi projects.

Zak