KnowBe4 Hires North Korean Hacker

KnowBe4, a leading security awareness training company, was duped into hiring a North Korean hacker using a stolen U.S. identity and an AI-enhanced photo. The deception was uncovered when the newly hired employee loaded malware onto a company-issued Mac workstation. Despite thorough hiring protocols, including video interviews and background checks, the sophisticated ruse only came to light after the suspicious activity was detected. Fortunately, no data was compromised, and the company's security operations center quickly contained the threat. This incident underscores the growing risks of identity fraud and the need for robust verification measures. The FBI is currently investigating the case, and it serves as a critical reminder for companies about the importance of stringent security vetting and monitoring.