North Korean Hackers Are Targeting Part 2

What’s happening? Security researchers have discovered a sophisticated scam where North Korean hackers pretend to be recruiters from legitimate companies. They’re specifically targeting software developers, especially those working with cryptocurrency and Web3 projects (the next generation of internet technology). This campaign, nicknamed “Contagious Interview” by security experts, has been running since late 2022 and affects developers using Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. How to Protect Yourself Red Flags to Watch For During Job Applications: Unusually high salaries for your experience level Pressure to quickly complete technical assessments Requests to download software from unofficial sources Video interview platforms you’ve never heard of Grammar mistakes or unusual phrasing in communications During Technical Tests: Instructions to disable security software Commands that seem unnecessary for the task Files that trigger antivirus warnings Requests to run scripts in administrator mode Safety Guidelines Verify the Recruiter Be Cautious with Technical Tests Protect Your Cryptocurrency General Security Measures

North Korean Hackers Are Targeting Cryptocurrency and Web3 Developers With Fake Job Offers

Imagine getting a message on LinkedIn about your dream job – great pay, remote work, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology. You’re excited, you apply, and during the interview process, they ask you to complete a simple coding test. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, if you’re dealing with North Korean hackers, everything could go wrong. Your computer could become infected with malware, your personal data stolen, and your cryptocurrency wallets emptied – all because you thought you were applying for a job. What If You Think You’re infected? If you’ve recently gone through a suspicious interview process: Disconnect from the internet immediately Run a full antivirus scan Change all your passwords (using a different device) Check your cryptocurrency wallets Monitor your bank accounts Consider getting professional help from a cybersecurity expert The Importance of Awareness This campaign shows how cybercriminals are becoming more creative. They’re not just sending obvious scam emails anymore – they’re creating elaborate schemes that exploit our professional ambitions. By understanding these threats, we can protect ourselves and our colleagues. Share this information with other developers and jobseekers. The more people know about these scams, the less successful they become. Remember: legitimate companies will never ask you to disable security features or run suspicious commands during an interview process. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and happy (legitimate) job hunting!