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U.S. Companies Are Using An Unusual Question About Kim Jong-un To Identify Potential North Korean Infiltrators In Selection Processes
During the RSA Conference held this week, an unexpected revelation caught the audience’s attention. According to Adam Meyers, an executive at the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, a simple question can expose North Korean candidates infiltrated in Western companies. The tactic consists of asking: “How fat is Kim Jong-un?”
Immediate Reaction As A Warning Sign
Meyers explained that the strategy, despite being straightforward, has been effective. He stated that suspicious candidates immediately end the call upon hearing something negative about the leader of North Korea.
According to the expert, this happens because these workers are unwilling to disrespect the figure of the dictator, even when disguised.
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The method, though it seems unusual, is just one of the tools used to detect infiltrations in large companies. According to Meyers, there are other warning signs.
One example is the presence of candidates with complex names and inconsistent profiles. In one reported situation, an Asian man of military age appeared in a Zoom interview but used a Polish name he couldn’t pronounce.
Targeted Companies And Sophisticated Tactics
These signs are observed in Fortune 500 companies and cryptocurrency firms. In many cases, the alleged technology professionals create fake profiles on social media and develop elaborate backstories to deceive recruiters.
In some situations, an entire team assists in the interview process, with only one person appearing in front of the camera.
The provocative question technique has also been adopted by other entrepreneurs. Harrison Leggio, founder of the startup g8keep, reported to Fortune magazine that his company has been the target of several infiltration attempts.
According to him, asking something negative about Kim Jong-un at the end of interviews proved to be an effective way to filter candidates. Leggio also mentioned that other founders have adopted the same method.
Millions Diverted To The North Korean Regime
Despite the strategies, the results of these infiltrations have been substantial. According to the FBI, North Korean workers continue to channel millions of dollars to the regime.
UN estimates indicate that since 2018, these operations may have moved between US$ 250 million and US$ 600 million per year. The employees only keep a small portion of the money received.
FBI special agent Elizabeth Pelker also spoke on the topic at the RSA Conference. She highlighted a curious aspect of the problem: even after discovering they hired a North Korean citizen, some companies hesitate to fire them.
The reason is simple. According to Pelker, these workers tend to be highly reliable and deliver good results.
The use of direct questions, like the one involving the North Korean leader, challenges the loyalty of suspicious candidates. And, while it may seem like a simplistic solution, the approach has worked.
With information from Gizmodo.
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