Amazon Blocks 1,800 Job Applications from Suspected North Korean Operatives

Amazon has thwarted over 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents attempting to secure remote IT positions using stolen or fake identities, according to a top Amazon executive. The operatives, likely working to fund the regime's weapons programs, have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, including hijacking dormant LinkedIn accounts and targeting genuine software engineers.

Amazon's chief security officer, Stephen Schmidt, revealed the details in a LinkedIn post, stating that the objective of these operatives is "typically straightforward: get hired, get paid, and funnel wages back to fund the regime's weapons programs." Schmidt warned that this trend is likely to be happening at scale across the industry, especially in the US, where authorities have warned about Pyongyang's operatives carrying out online scams.

According to Schmidt, the suspected North Korean agents used stolen or fake identities to apply for remote working IT jobs at Amazon. The company has seen a significant number of such applications, with over 1,800 blocked so far. Amazon has emphasized the importance of robust screening measures, including AI tools and staff verification, to prevent such scams.

This trend is expected to be widespread across the industry, prompting Amazon to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents. The company's efforts to thwart these job applications are part of a broader effort to combat online scams and protect its employees and customers from potential threats.

Amazon's move to block these job applications comes as authorities in the US and South Korea have warned about Pyongyang's operatives carrying out online scams. The sophistication of these operatives has increased over time, with some using hijacked dormant LinkedIn accounts to target genuine software engineers.

Amazon's chief security officer, Stephen Schmidt, emphasized the importance of robust screening measures in preventing such scams. "We take the security of our employees and customers very seriously, and we will continue to work tirelessly to prevent such incidents from happening in the future," he said.

The incident highlights the growing concern about online scams and the need for companies to be vigilant in protecting themselves from potential threats. As the trend of North Korean operatives using stolen or fake identities to apply for jobs continues, Amazon's efforts to thwart these applications serve as a model for other companies to follow.

Amazon's move to block these job applications is a significant step in preventing online scams and protecting its employees and customers from potential threats. The company's efforts to combat online scams will continue to be an important aspect of its security strategy in the future.

In related news, authorities in the US and South Korea have warned about Pyongyang's operatives carrying out online scams. The US Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the matter, and Amazon has cooperated fully with the authorities.

As the situation continues to unfold, Amazon remains committed to protecting its employees and customers from potential threats. The company will continue to work closely with authorities to prevent online scams and ensure the security of its employees and customers.

In a statement, Amazon said, "We take the security of our employees and customers very seriously, and we will continue to work tirelessly to prevent such incidents from happening in the future."