Crypto Industry Unknowingly Hiring North Korean IT Workers, Poses Security Risk

• CoinDesk investigation reveals that numerous crypto companies have unknowingly hired IT workers from North Korea.
• North Korean workers used fake IDs, passed interviews, and presented impressive work histories.
• Hiring North Korean workers violates sanctions and presents security risks, as some companies have been hacked.
• Hiring DPRK workers is prevalent in the crypto industry, with over 50% of incoming resumes likely from North Korea.
• Well-established blockchain projects like Cosmos Hub, Injective, ZeroLend, Fantom, Sushi, and Yearn Finance have inadvertently hired DPRK IT workers. - Payments to DPRK workers have been linked to blockchain addresses associated with the North Korean government.

Summary :
A recent investigation by CoinDesk has revealed that numerous crypto companies have unknowingly hired IT workers from North Korea. These workers successfully navigated interviews, passed reference checks, and presented impressive work histories. The prevalence of North Korean IT workers in the crypto industry is far greater than previously thought, with more than 50% of incoming resumes or job inquiries likely coming from North Korea. Well-established blockchain projects such as Cosmos Hub, Injective, ZeroLend, Fantom, Sushi, and Yearn Finance have inadvertently hired DPRK IT workers. Hiring these workers is illegal and presents a security risk, as North Korean hackers have been known to target companies through covert workers. CoinDesk's investigation also found instances where crypto projects employing DPRK IT workers fell victim to hacks. Despite warnings from authorities, no crypto company has been prosecuted for hiring North Korean workers. The investigation highlights the need for stricter background checks and security measures in the crypto industry.

Sources :

- Coindesk
- Coindesk