South Korea, the United States, and Japan have issued a joint statement expressing “serious concern” over North Korea’s deployment of IT personnel worldwide to generate revenue that supports illegal weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile development. The statement highlights that North Korean IT workers are employing sophisticated tactics, such as using AI technology to disguise their identities and locations, to carry out malicious activities. The joint statement warns against hiring or contracting North Korean IT personnel, citing significant risks including the theft of intellectual property, information, and funds.
Furthermore, the statement notes that Japan will provide detailed information on the new tactics used by North Korean IT workers, while the United States will sanction four groups and individuals supporting North Korean activities in countries like Russia and China. South Korea has issued an advisory to prevent potential damage from such activities. The three countries reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation and deepening public-private collaboration to counter North Korea’s malicious cyber activities and illegal revenue generation.