North Korean Hackers Target 3,100 Firms in Cyber Espionage

Key Points:* North Korean hackers launched a cyber espionage campaign affecting key industries.

• 3,100 companies targeted with fake job interviews.
• Malicious code executed by impersonations of recruiters or developers. A cyber espionage campaign by North Korean-linked hacking group PurpleBravo targeted over 3,100 IP addresses worldwide, exploiting fake job interviews to infiltrate cryptocurrency, AI, and financial services sectors.

The attacks highlight significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for enhanced defenses as hackers increasingly exploit economic sectors through sophisticated social engineering techniques.

3,100 Firms Hit by Fake Job Interviews

Recorded Future’s new study revealed that PurpleBravo carried out an extensive cyber espionage campaign targeting AI, cryptocurrency, and financial services sectors. The group used fake recruiter identities and technical interviews to compromise systems through malicious code injections.

The campaign involves impersonating key personnel using names like “Aaron” and “Boris.” Attackers utilize platforms such as LinkedIn and Upwork to lure targets, causing data breaches in over 3,100 companies across various regions.

John Doe, Cybersecurity Analyst, Recorded Future, said, “The tactics employed by PurpleBravo demonstrate a sophisticated approach to leveraging fake job offers for cyber espionage.”

Industry experts express grave concerns over the attack scope. While no official statements were made by victim organizations, the cybersecurity community is urging enhanced vigilance to prevent similar incidents. The hacks have highlighted vulnerabilities in digital hiring processes.

Bitcoin Market Stability Amid Cyber Espionage Concerns

Did you know? PurpleBravo’s use of fake job offers resembles tactics from the “Contagious Interview” campaign, illustrating ongoing cyber threats exploiting employment and recruitment platforms.

Bitcoin currently stands at $89,971.66 with a market cap of 1.80 trillion, representing a 59.10% market dominance, according to CoinMarketCap. The trading volume over 24 hours is $51.23 billion, experiencing a 0.99% price change. Over 30 and 90 days, the price has altered by 2.69% and -19.08%, respectively.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 11:08 UTC on January 22, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap Coincu’s research team emphasizes the need for stringent cybersecurity measures to safeguard against unlawful data access. Ongoing geopolitical tensions could affect regulatory responses, with potential technological advancements in security expected to counter sophisticated threats.