North Korean intelligence services carry out offensive cyber operations worldwide to obtain foreign currency. In this context, undercover IT specialists (IT workers) are offering their services to companies around the globe via remote work. The proceeds benefit the North Korean regime. The IT workers also aid in the theft of intellectual property and internal data.

Our Private Sector Security Advisory 02/2024 informs about the risks associated with North Korean IT workers and provides companies with guidance on what to watch out for when working with freelancers in order to protect themselves from know-how loss as well as from reputational risks and legal consequences resulting from violating international sanctions.