On Point | Podcast How the cybersecurity industry is trying to keep up with foreign threat actors
Jun 12, 2025
In this discussion, Tom Hagel, a Distinguished Threat Researcher at Sentinel-1, highlights the alarming rise of state-sponsored cyber threats, particularly from North Korea. He sheds light on how foreign spies, ransomware groups, and even fake job applicants are targeting American companies. The conversation dives into the complexities of hiring in the cybersecurity sector and the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals, including AI-generated resumes and recruitment scams. Hagel stresses the need for transparency and collaboration to bolster defenses against these sophisticated threats.
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North Korean Freelancer Scam
- Zaki Mannion unknowingly hired North Korean operatives posing as freelancers in Singapore for his crypto startup.
- The FBI later revealed their salaries funded North Korea's weapons program, sparking reputational worries.
Open Internet Exploited By North Korea
- North Korean IT worker scams exploit the openness of the global tech industry and remote work.
- Many of these workers are forced laborers, making their plight a societal issue beyond cybersecurity.
SentinelOne Targeted by North Korea
- SentinelOne faced persistent attacks from North Korean state-backed hackers seeking inside jobs.
- These efforts aim at espionage and supply chain intrusions for strategic and financial gains.