That Perfect Remote Hire? He Might Be a Spy.
We’ve seen some red flags in our time: vague résumés, job-hopping every 6 months, a candidate who couldn’t explain what their own company did.
But lately, something new has entered the conversation:
Foreign operatives posing as U.S.-based remote workers.
Specifically, North Korean IT workers are infiltrating companies to steal data, launder money, and funnel income back to the regime.
No, it’s not a plot twist from “The Americans”.
Yes, it’s real.
Yes, it’s happening now.
According to the FBI and cybersecurity firms, thousands of North Korean IT operatives are quietly applying and sometimes landing remote tech jobs at Western companies. They look sharp on paper, ace coding tests, and even interview via deepfake video. Some get hired. Some get hired multiple times. Once inside, they might install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or simply use their paycheck to bankroll the nuclear program in Pyongyang.
How They Infiltrate
These aren’t amateurs. These candidates are trained to pass for U.S.-based tech professionals. Their methods are shockingly sophisticated:
Stolen or fake IDs: They use stolen Social Security numbers and real U.S. addresses to pass background checks.
AI-enhanced interviews: They’re using deepfakes, filters, and voice changers to “attend” live interviews with altered identities.
Laptop farms: Some companies unknowingly ship devices to domestic accomplices, who plug them into covert “tech farms” supporting dozens of active remote sessions.
Why It Matters to Your Business
Even if your company isn’t a Fortune 500, or even Fortune 5000 for that matter, this should give you pause.
And it’s not just Big Tech; even founder-led, PE-backed, and mid-sized firms are at risk. If your business:
hires remote developers, data engineers, IT contractors, or any other fully remote functions,
offers distributed work without thorough vetting,
or relies heavily on external platforms for talent sourcing,
… then you’re vulnerable.
The risks?
Think data loss, IP theft, or reputational damage that outlasts a contract.
You’re not dealing with an opportunistic scammer. You’re up against a foreign government.
What Hiring Leaders Can Do
You don’t need spy-level tools to defend your business, just a more intentional hiring process.
Slow down when it counts
Especially with remote hires, especially tech hires. Use live video interviews, ask for multiple forms of ID, and verify addresses or IP locations. Look for delays, overly scripted responses, or odd behavior.
Trust your gut—and get creative
Ask “local flavor” questions.
One company caught a fake by asking what kids want at Halloween. True Story.
Another tripped up an imposter with a baseball question.
Turns out, it’s hard for AI to fake a preference for Sour Patch vs. Snickers—lack of taste buds being a bit of a hurdle.
Layer your tech with process
Consider implementing liveness detection tools, IP logging, and behavioral assessments to enhance security. However, technology alone isn’t sufficient; it must be combined with trained professionals.
Make Hiring a cross-functional effort
HR, IT, InfoSec, and Compliance need to align on red flags and workflows. Hiring shouldn’t happen in silos.
Stay in the Know
Subscribe to alerts from ISAC, the FBI, and CISA.
What This Says About Hiring
This isn’t about paranoia. It’s about preparedness.
The speed and scale of remote work have changed hiring forever. However, in our rush to fill roles quickly, some companies have traded thoroughness for efficiency, opening the door to bad actors.
At Ascentria, we’ve always believed in high-touch, real-human recruiting. Not just for culture fit, but because real people catch what software misses. We’re here to help clients make smarter, safer, more sustainable hires.
The reality? If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Because when a candidate looks flawless on paper, the real skill is knowing whether you’re hiring a top performer or a total imposter.
Want to pressure test your hiring process?
We’re happy to share what we’re seeing in the market and how our clients are protecting their teams (and data) without going full James Bond. Let’s connect. No deepfakes, we promise.