What the Hack? Episode 209: Unmasking the North Korean IT Scam
Jul 22, 2025
In this discussion, Amanda Gerut, West Coast editor for Fortune magazine and author of a revealing piece on North Korean operatives, dives into the chilling world of remote IT scams funding North Korea's nuclear ambitions. She uncovers the shocking operations of laptop farms and identity theft targeting Western companies. With insight into the harrowing conditions faced by coerced North Korean IT workers, the conversation highlights law enforcement's challenges and essential tips for freelancers on safeguarding against scams and identity theft.
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North Korea's IT Scam Revealed
- North Korea operates a large-scale remote IT scam using stolen U.S. identities to perform legitimate IT work.
- This scheme funds North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, generating up to $600 million annually.
Defector Confirms Unwitting Participants
- Amanda Gerut interviewed a North Korean defector working in the IT scheme who confirmed innocents are unknowingly involved.
- The defector explained Americans were unaware their identities were stolen for remote IT work.
Victims and Exploitation in Scheme
- Many involved in the scam are victims or unaware of its true purpose funding nuclear weapons.
- Laptop farmers in the U.S. earn less than promised and face difficulty escaping the illicit scheme.