An expert cybersecurity researcher discovered that North Korea is involved in producing international TV shows, including Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max content. The discovery was made when a misconfigured cloud server containing thousands of animation files was found on a North Korean IP address. This revelation sheds light on how North Korea utilizes skilled IT and tech workers to generate funds despite heavy sanctions, as well as the increasing infiltration of North Korean IT workers into companies and their outsourcing. The exposed server, which allowed the transfer of work to and from North Korean animators, was being updated daily but abruptly stopped being used at the end of February. The files within the server contained editing comments and instructions in Chinese, translated to Korean, showcasing detailed anime images and video clips.
Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity researcher Nick Roy discovered signs of North Koreans working on major international TV shows.
- A misconfigured cloud server on a North Korean IP address contained thousands of animation files, including content from Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
- The findings highlight how North Korea leverages skilled IT and tech workers to raise funds for its heavily sanctioned regime.
- North Korea's limited Internet space and controlled access present challenges, with only a select few having limited and supervised internet usage.
- The exposed cloud server allowed work to be sent to and from North Korean animators and contained detailed anime images and video clips with editing comments and instructions.
Analysis
The discovery of North Korea's involvement in the production of international TV shows through a misconfigured cloud server raises concerns about sanctions evasion and security breaches. This revelation could impact the reputation of companies like Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max, leading to potential legal and financial repercussions. Additionally, it sheds light on the increasing infiltration of North Korean IT workers into global companies, posing geopolitical and security risks. In the short term, this discovery may prompt heightened cybersecurity measures and diplomatic discussions. In the long term, it could result in stricter regulations and scrutiny of global outsourcing practices to prevent illicit activities by sanctioned entities.
Did You Know?
- Cybersecurity researcher Nick Roy discovered signs of North Koreans working on major international TV shows.
- A misconfigured cloud server on a North Korean IP address contained thousands of animation files, including content from Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
- The findings highlight how North Korea leverages skilled IT and tech workers to raise funds for its heavily sanctioned regime.