Is Your New Contractor from North Korea?

You've probably seen the alerts. The FBI has been sounding the alarm about a new threat: North Korean IT workers posing as contractors to steal sensitive information and extort their employers.

The warning signs are there, but they can be subtle. You might see an alert from the FBI stating that a VPN connection drops or exposes a Chinese or North Korean IP address. Or maybe someone appears on camera who matches the original photos taken during the initial background check process. It could even start with a friendly email from the FBI, inviting you to review your new employee's credentials.

But here's the thing: many organizations have already fallen victim to this scam. The North Korean IT worker was once hailed as a model employee, if not one of the best on the team. They might even be doing busy work and phoning it in – the epitome of overemployment, as seen on the infamous subreddit.

However, beneath the surface, the same model worker can become a master thief. With access to your systems and sensitive information, they can encrypt them, hold you for ransom, or sell them on the black market. It's a chilling thought, and one that should make you take a closer look at your new hires.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant. If your employees are taking their work-from-home arrangements to the next level, be sure to carefully review their changes, access, and overall activities. You might be lucky – like some of my clients who have discovered that their new hires were merely collecting paychecks.

But you might also uncover a trail of stolen data or code modifications. Don't let your guard down just because the initial signs seem to point in one direction. The truth is, North Korean IT workers are masters of deception and can be hiding in plain sight.

So what can you do to protect yourself? First and foremost, take a closer look at your new hires' backgrounds. Verify their credentials, check for any red flags, and get to know them personally. It's not enough to just see a profile picture – ask the tough questions.

Secondly, establish clear guidelines for remote work. Make sure your employees understand what is expected of them in terms of security protocols, access control, and data protection. And don't be afraid to monitor their activity closely.

Finally, stay informed about the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity. The world of IT is constantly evolving, and so must you.

The Consequences Are Real

So what happens when your organization falls victim to a North Korean IT worker's scam? The consequences can be devastating. Not only will you lose sensitive information, but you'll also face the very real possibility of being extorted or blackmailed.

But the impact goes beyond just financial loss. Your reputation and trust with customers and clients will be damaged irreparably. It could take years to recover from such a blow.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the threat of North Korean IT workers is very real. Don't let your guard down – stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your organization. Remember, the consequences of inaction can be dire.