Coinbase Tightens Workforce Security After North Korea Remote Worker Threats
Coinbase is enhancing its security measures following threats from North Korean hackers who are targeting its remote work policy to gain access to sensitive systems. CEO Brian Armstrong announced that all employees will now be required to undergo in-person training in the US. Additionally, employees with access to sensitive systems must be US citizens and undergo fingerprinting. This decision comes as North Korean cyber activities are on the rise, with instances of operatives infiltrating crypto firms as freelance developers to steal information. Earlier in May, Coinbase reported that a data breach affected less than 1% of its users, which has raised concerns about potential risks to users' physical safety due to the exposure of personal information. Furthermore, Coinbase was the most impersonated brand in phishing attacks among US crypto firms in 2024, with a significant number of scams reported. Armstrong's responses highlight the growing challenges cryptocurrency exchanges face from international cyber threats and the need for strengthened internal security protocols.
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