Amazon Blocks Over 1,800 North Korean Applicants Amid Cybercrime Concerns

US technology giant Amazon has taken the unusual step of blocking more than 1,800 North Koreans from applying for jobs, citing security concerns linked to Pyongyang’s overseas cyber operations. The move comes as North Korea continues to deploy IT personnel abroad, often to generate revenue for the regime through illicit online activities.

Amazon reported a significant increase in applications from North Korean nationals over the past year, with many attempts targeting remote IT positions. Company security officials flagged these applications due to irregularities such as incorrectly formatted contact details and questionable academic records, which often indicated attempts to bypass standard hiring checks.

Laptop Farms and Covert Operations

Security experts say North Koreans often operate through so-called “laptop farms,” where computers located in the United States are remotely controlled from abroad. These operations have been linked to large-scale efforts to steal financial data and launder money. In one high-profile case in Arizona, a woman was sentenced to over eight years in prison for managing a laptop farm that helped North Korean operatives infiltrate more than 300 US companies, generating millions for the regime.

Beyond economic motives, intelligence agencies warn that North Korean cyber operatives also gather sensitive information, particularly targeting defense and technology firms. LinkedIn has reportedly been used by operatives posing as recruiters to extract details from professionals in strategic industries. Analysts note that these activities form part of a broader, state-sponsored cyber-warfare strategy.

Amazon’s security team says the company is actively monitoring for suspicious applications and implementing additional safeguards to prevent potential infiltration. “This is not just an Amazon problem; it is likely happening across the tech industry,” a company spokesperson said, emphasizing the need for collective vigilance.

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North Korea’s cyber-warfare program, which dates back decades, has grown into a sophisticated network known as Bureau 121. Reports indicate it employs thousands of trained hackers operating from multiple locations abroad. Recent US sanctions have targeted individuals involved in these operations, which authorities say have stolen over $3 billion in cryptocurrency and other assets in the past three years.

Experts argue that cracking down on these attempts is not only a matter of protecting corporate interests but also national security. The Amazon action highlights how private companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally associated with government oversight to safeguard digital and financial systems.

As Amazon and other tech firms continue to refine their defenses, the incident underscores the growing global challenge posed by state-sponsored cybercrime and the need for vigilance in hiring practices worldwide.