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How Kraken Unmasked a North Korean Hacker
May 2, 2025
Nick Percoco, Chief Security Officer at Kraken, sheds light on his team's remarkable investigation into a North Korean hacker who applied for a job at the crypto exchange. He discusses how they uncovered vulnerabilities in the recruitment process, emphasizing the critical need for thorough vetting against known adversaries. Percoco shares insights from a troubling interview that revealed a lack of preparation by the candidate. The conversation also touches on the risks associated with AI in interviews and the importance of assessing both technical skills and soft skills in cybersecurity hiring.
09:05
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Quick takeaways
- Kraken's security team effectively prevented a North Korean hacker's infiltration by cross-checking job applicant information against intelligence sources.
- The hiring process in the crypto industry needs to prioritize soft skills and cultural awareness to mitigate security threats from malicious candidates.
Deep dives
Identifying Potential Threats
A recent job application process at Kraken exposed a potential North Korean operative attempting to join the company. The security team utilized intelligence sources to cross-check the applicant's information against known adversaries, which revealed a matching email address. This proactive approach allowed them to investigate further, even when the initial resume appeared mediocre and was unlikely to have been prioritized for an interview. The situation exemplifies the necessity of vigilance in hiring practices, particularly within the crypto sector, where the stakes can be significantly high.
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