Undercover North Korean remote workers dislike this unusual question

North Korean workers exploit remote jobs using fake identities.

: Thousands of North Korean workers have managed to infiltrate Fortune 500 companies and cryptocurrency firms by posing as remote employees using sophisticated techniques. According to Adam Meyers of CrowdStrike, the key to uncovering these workers lies in asking controversial questions about Kim Jong Un during interviews, which leads to the immediate termination of the call. Despite the simplicity of this tactic, North Korean operatives have funneled between $250 million to $600 million annually to their government since 2018. These workers often perform admirably in their roles, prompting some companies to question the necessity of firing them once their true identity is revealed.

Information security experts have revealed that thousands of North Korean operatives have successfully infiltrated major international companies by posing as remote workers. These individuals use false identities and well-constructed backstories to secure positions in Fortune 500 companies and cryptocurrency firms. According to AJ Dellinger's report, these operatives generate significant revenue for the North Korean government, ranging from $250 million to $600 million annually.

The method of exposing these infiltrators involves asking a seemingly simple yet culturally sensitive question: 'How fat is Kim Jong Un?' or requesting they say something negative about the North Korean leader. Adam Meyers from CrowdStrike explained that such questions prompt the imposters to immediately end calls, as derogatory remarks could have severe consequences for them at home.

Besides these targeted questions, hiring managers have noticed discrepancies in applicants' resumes. Some North Korean imposters claim to be based in countries like Poland but reveal their incomplete persona during video calls when their physical appearance contradicts their stated name or location. These inconsistencies serve as another red flag during the hiring process.

The economic incentive for North Korea is substantial, as profits from these remote job infiltrations are directed back to the nation. However, the individuals involved often retain only a small portion of their earnings. This has led to a debate within companies regarding whether to retain the employees, as they often perform well in their roles after being hired.

Over the past several years, this issue has come to light repeatedly, with various tech and cryptocurrency sector leaders such as Harrison Leggio of g8keep sharing their experiences with Fortune. These businesses continue to refine their hiring strategies to prevent North Korean infiltration and ensure their workforces' integrity.

Sources: Gizmodo, The Register, Fortune

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