Coinbase has updated its hiring policy, ending remote onboarding and enhancing security measures due to multiple infiltration attempts by North Korean hackers.
New Hiring Policies at Coinbase
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed that the company has implemented new hiring rules, requiring all new employees to undergo in-person orientation in the U.S. Only U.S. citizens can access sensitive infrastructure and must undergo fingerprinting. The stricter measures aim to prevent fake interviews, identity theft, and bribery attempts.
FBI Warnings and Real Arrests
The FBI has repeatedly warned that North Korean operatives are posing as freelancers and engineers to infiltrate U.S. companies, including those in the crypto space. In one high-profile case, an American woman received an 8.5-year prison sentence for helping North Koreans secure tech jobs under fake identities. Armstrong also disclosed a growing problem with bribery, where attackers offered substantial sums to support staff for access to sensitive information.
Combating Forgery and Fraud
To counter AI-powered fraud, Coinbase now requires interviewees to keep cameras on during calls. This helps detect if candidates are receiving assistance or replaced by an AI bot. “It’s not worth going to prison,” warns Armstrong, emphasizing that even high bribes aren’t worth the risk.
Coinbase's updated hiring policies and enhanced security measures highlight the significance of protecting against increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats.
