US dismantles laptop farm used by undercover North Korean IT workers
Matthew Isaac Knoot was arrested for facilitating North Korean IT workers in remote jobs, using stolen identities and laundering payments, generating over $250,000 per worker, funding North Korea's nuclear program.
Read original article
The U.S. Justice Department has arrested Matthew Isaac Knoot, a Nashville resident, for facilitating North Korean IT workers in obtaining remote jobs with U.S. companies through a laptop farm. Knoot allegedly helped these workers, who were using a stolen identity to pose as a U.S. citizen named Andrew M., by providing housing for company laptops and laundering payments to North Korean and Chinese accounts. The laptops were shipped to Knoot's residences, where he installed unauthorized remote desktop applications, allowing the North Koreans to access victim companies' networks from China. This operation reportedly generated over $250,000 for each worker involved, contributing to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Knoot faces multiple charges, including wire fraud and identity theft, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years. This case is part of a broader initiative by U.S. authorities to dismantle such operations, as another American, Christina Marie Chapman, was also charged for running a similar laptop farm. The FBI has warned about the prevalence of North Korean IT workers impersonating U.S. staff, highlighting the ongoing threat they pose to American companies.
- Matthew Knoot was arrested for aiding North Korean IT workers in remote jobs.
- The operation involved using stolen identities and laundering payments.
- Each North Korean worker earned over $250,000, funding North Korea's nuclear program.
- Knoot faces serious charges, including wire fraud and identity theft.
- This case is part of a larger initiative to combat North Korean cyber threats.
Related
Remote work powered fraud – How to prevent
Remote hiring offers a wider talent pool but also raises fraud risks. Recent cases reveal elaborate schemes involving stolen identities. To counter this, companies should enhance background checks, use multi-factor authentication, conduct security audits, and provide fraud awareness training.
North Korean hacker got hired by US security vendor loaded malware
KnowBe4 hired a North Korean hacker who attempted to introduce malware using a stolen identity. The incident highlighted the need for stringent hiring practices and robust security measures in organizations.
North Korean hacker got hired by US security vendor loaded malware
KnowBe4 hired a North Korean hacker who attempted to introduce malware using a stolen identity. The incident raised concerns about hiring vulnerabilities and led to an FBI investigation, with no data compromised.
Dad hacks database to fake death and avoid child support pay
Jesse Kipf was sentenced to 81 months for hacking the Hawaii Death Registry to fake his death and evade over $100,000 in child support, causing nearly $196,000 in damages.
We found North Korean engineers in our application pile. Here's what we did
Cinder reports increased job applications from suspected North Korean nationals using false identities for remote tech positions. The company implements measures to identify these applicants and advises others on hiring vigilance.
12 commentsI've had several emails from strangers over the past month asking to use my identity (i.e. Upwork profile), setup a report laptop, and "collaborate".
Until now I've just ignore them or mark them spam.
Such an off-handed manner of presenting a really strong accusation! How did they do it exactly, directly, or just being citizens and paying taxes?
Wow! It’s truly sad that qualified people are struggling to get through interviews and hoops to get hired, but North Korean hackers are landing jobs.
"We have the Dark Army at home."
The Dark Army at home:
Related
Remote work powered fraud – How to prevent
Remote hiring offers a wider talent pool but also raises fraud risks. Recent cases reveal elaborate schemes involving stolen identities. To counter this, companies should enhance background checks, use multi-factor authentication, conduct security audits, and provide fraud awareness training.
North Korean hacker got hired by US security vendor loaded malware
KnowBe4 hired a North Korean hacker who attempted to introduce malware using a stolen identity. The incident highlighted the need for stringent hiring practices and robust security measures in organizations.
North Korean hacker got hired by US security vendor loaded malware
KnowBe4 hired a North Korean hacker who attempted to introduce malware using a stolen identity. The incident raised concerns about hiring vulnerabilities and led to an FBI investigation, with no data compromised.
Dad hacks database to fake death and avoid child support pay
Jesse Kipf was sentenced to 81 months for hacking the Hawaii Death Registry to fake his death and evade over $100,000 in child support, causing nearly $196,000 in damages.
We found North Korean engineers in our application pile. Here's what we did
Cinder reports increased job applications from suspected North Korean nationals using false identities for remote tech positions. The company implements measures to identify these applicants and advises others on hiring vigilance.