Unveiling How North Korea Penetrates the Crypto Assets Industry

The Crypto Assets industry has become a primary target for North Korean IT workers' infiltration. Several well-known blockchain projects such as Injective, ZeroLend, Fantom, Sushi, Yearn Finance, and Cosmos Hub have inadvertently employed North Korean staff. These employees successfully passed interviews and background checks using fake identities and forged documents.

Hiring North Korean workers in countries that impose sanctions, such as the United States, is illegal and poses security risks. Many companies have suffered hacking attacks after hiring North Korean IT workers.

North Korean IT workers are infiltrating through global remote work opportunities and Crypto Assets payment methods. Their skill levels vary, with some being fired after earning just a few months' wages, while others excel.

These workers will remit most of their income to addresses associated with the North Korean government. Investigations show that they are closely linked to North Korean hacking activities.

Some companies, such as Sushi, have suffered from hacking attacks carried out by North Korean employees. Other companies like Truflation and Delta Prime have also recently been hacked, losing millions of dollars, which is suspected to be related to North Korean employees they once hired.

North Korea raises funds for its nuclear weapons program through this method. Crypto Assets companies need to remain vigilant and strengthen background checks to prevent this infiltration.