North Korean Hackers Target Crypto Industry with Widespread Fake Job Scams

North Korean hackers have escalated their cyberattacks on the cryptocurrency industry by using highly sophisticated fake job offers to steal digital assets, with losses believed to exceed $1.34 billion last year. These hackers employ social engineering tactics, including reaching out to job seekers via LinkedIn and Telegram, directing them to malicious websites disguised as skills tests, which then compromise their crypto wallets. The operation involves AI-generated profiles and front companies to appear legitimate, targeting a wide range of professionals from coders to executives. Despite warnings and efforts from companies like Kraken and Robinhood, as well as alerts from the FBI and global agencies, the scams remain pervasive and evolve rapidly. Industry experts and victims report that these tailored schemes have become a constant threat, forcing job seekers to vigilantly screen recruiters for any signs of North Korean links. The stolen funds are believed to support Pyongyang’s sanctioned weapons programs, underscoring the geopolitical implications of these cybercrimes.