Thousands of North Korean IT workers have reportedly penetrated the tech sector in the U.S. and other affluent nations, using artificial intelligence to create false work and identities.

This operation is allegedly providing financial support to Kim Jong-un‘s government, in direct violation of international sanctions.

North Korean agents are masquerading as regular applicants for high-paying remote tech jobs, committing identity theft and resume fraud.

The FBI believes that this operation has channeled anywhere between hundreds of millions and $1 billion to the North Korean regime over the past five years, supporting Kim’s goal of transforming the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea (DPRK) into a nuclear-armed power, reports the Fortune.

The FBI has labeled the operation as one of the most extraordinary international fraud enterprises in history, presenting multiple layers of risks for companies that are deceived by it.

Also Read: North Korean Hackers Swiped $600 Million Worth Of Crypto In 2023, Expected To Carry Out More Attacks

Companies are exposed to corporate security threats from foreign government agents infiltrating their internal systems and legal risks from inadvertently breaching sanctions against North Korea.

Victims of this scheme include Fortune 500 companies, aerospace manufacturers, and US financial institutions. The North Korean workers have also impersonated HVAC specialists, engineers, and architects, utilizing AI to generate blueprints and obtain municipal approvals. The operation has extended its reach to companies in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

“This is a code red,” U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro warned at a July press conference. “Your tech sectors are being infiltrated by North Korea. And when big companies are lax and they're not doing their due diligence, they are putting America's security at risk.”

This infiltration poses a significant threat to the security of companies and nations alike. The operation not only breaches corporate security but also violates international sanctions, thereby posing a legal risk. The funds funneled through this scheme are aiding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, posing a significant threat to global security.

The infiltration of the tech sector, a critical component of the economy, could have far-reaching economic implications.

The situation calls for increased vigilance and stringent security measures to protect against such sophisticated fraud operations.

Read Next

Kim Jong Un’s Spy Satellite Targets US Military Bases, Raising Alarm

Image: Shutterstock/FOTOGRIN