Heraldviews with Agency report
North Korean operatives posing as freelance IT workers are infiltrating companies across Europe, according to a new report from Google's Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG). The researchers warn these agents, part of Pyongyang's notorious Lazarus Group, are using sophisticated fake identities to gain employment, particularly in defence and government sectors.
The report details how one
North Korean operative created at least 12 fake personas while applying for
jobs at multiple European organizations. These "IT warriors" forge
professional references, fabricate work histories, and even use secondary fake
profiles to vouch for their credibility. Many falsely claim nationalities from
countries including Italy, Japan, the United States and Ukraine to avoid
detection.
Germany, Portugal and the UK
have all been targeted, with the operatives securing contracts in fields
ranging from web development to blockchain technology through freelance
platforms like Upwork and Freelancer. Cybersecurity experts warn this access
could enable corporate espionage, intellectual property theft, and potential
system sabotage.
Of particular concern are
companies with "bring your own device" policies, where personal
laptops lacking corporate security monitoring create vulnerabilities. GTIG
researchers noted these BYOD environments are being actively exploited by the
North Korean operatives.
The operation relies on an
expanding global network of facilitators who help agents bypass identity
checks, process fraudulent payments, and provide local support. Recent investigations
have uncovered new nodes of this network in the UK.
Analysts suggest economic
sanctions may be driving more aggressive tactics, with operatives under
pressure to generate foreign currency for the North Korean regime. The Lazarus
Group, believed to be behind the operation, recently made headlines for
amassing Bitcoin holdings that surpassed those of Tesla.
A UK National Cyber Security
Centre spokesperson confirmed they are working with industry partners to
counter the threat. The revelations come amid heightened warnings from Western
intelligence agencies about increasing cyber aggression from state-aligned
groups, following recent reports of Russian hackers targeting European
political institutions ahead of key elections.
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