The hacking group, dubbed Thallium or Kimsuky, is now also asking researchers or other experts to offer opinions or write reports
When Daniel DePetris, a US-based foreign affairs analyst, received an email in October from the director of the 38 North think-tank commissioning an article, it seemed to be business as usual.The sender was actually a suspected North Korean spy seeking information, according to those involved and three cybersecurity researchers.
The hacking group, which researchers dubbed Thallium or Kimsuky, among other names, has long used “spear-phishing” emails that trick targets into giving up passwords or clicking attachments or links that load malware. Now, however, it also appears to simply ask researchers or other experts to offer opinions or write reports.
The experts and analysts targeted in the campaign are influential in shaping international public opinion and foreign governments' policy towards North Korea, the cybersecurity researchers said. North Korea's embassy in London did not respond to a request for comment, but it has denied being involved in cyber crime.
“For us as defenders, it’s really, really hard to stop these emails,” he said, adding that in most cases it comes down to the recipient being able to figure it out. “They were quite sophisticated, with think-tank logos attached to the correspondence to make it look as if the inquiry is legitimate,” he said.
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