Seoul: The United States and Japan have expressed "serious concerns" regarding the developing malicious cyber activities conducted by North Korean information technology workers. These workers are reportedly using artificial intelligence tools and other methods to fund North Korea's illicit weapons programs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the three countries released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to trilateral coordination in addressing North Korea's unlawful cyber activities. These activities are seen as significant threats to the international community. The statement highlighted North Korea's continued deployment of IT workers globally to generate revenue, which supports its prohibited weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, contravening U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The joint statement further explained that North Korean IT workers employ various techniques to disguise their identities and locations, often using AI tools and collaborating with foreign facilitators. They capitalize on the demand for advanced IT skills to secure freelance contracts worldwide, with a significant presence in blockchain industries.
The countries warned that hiring or outsourcing work to these North Korean IT workers poses serious risks, including intellectual property theft, reputational damage, and potential legal repercussions. In response, each country has taken steps to disrupt these activities. Japan has updated its alerts, providing detailed information and advising the private sector on reducing risks. The U.S. is sanctioning four entities and individuals linked to these schemes in countries such as Russia, Laos, and China. South Korea has also issued advisories to help companies avoid becoming targets.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation from Japan, the U.S., and South Korea of their commitment to enhancing coordination and increasing collaboration between the public and private sectors to counter North Korea's malicious cyber activities and illicit revenue generation.