Researchers Pose as DeFi Startup to Hire and Expose North Korean Lazarus IT Workers

banteg · x · 2026-08-11

ANY.RUN, in collaboration with BCA LTD and NorthScan, created a fake DeFi startup to hire and monitor suspected North Korean Lazarus APT (Famous Chollima) IT workers. Using ANY.RUN sandbox environments, the team observed their behavior, revealing their evolving toolset, remote access workflow, AI usage, and supporting infrastructure. The investigation shows that DPRK IT worker infiltration is not just a hiring risk; once inside, operatives can gain legitimate access to code, systems, IP, and business processes.

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