KnowBe4, provider of the world's largest security awareness and phishing simulation training platform to help you fight the ever-present problem of social engineering, accidentally hired a North Korean specialist who immediately tried to download malware into the system.
In a blog post published on the company's website, CEO Stu Sewerman says that they needed an IT specialist. A job posting was placed, an interested person was found, interviews were conducted, and references were checked. Eventually, a new employee was hired and sent a working Mac.
However, as soon as the new employee received his work computer, he immediately attempted to infect the KnowBe4 system with malware. The company notes that no illegal access was gained and no data was lost, compromised or stolen.
In a statement, the CEO said that the specialist used a stolen identity to pass the interview and all the checks. This person also used artificial intelligence to change his or her photo and impersonate another real US citizen.
Earlier, it was reported that IT specialists from North Korea posed as Americans and managed to infiltrate more than 300 American companies, most of which are among the largest Fortune 500 companies. They were assisted by a Ukrainian in assuming fake identities.