Some North Koreans hack their smart devices to get around state controls: Report | NK News
NK News Logo
December 23, 2024

NK News is hiring

News

Some North Koreans hack their smart devices to get around state controls: Report

Experts say activity driven by desire for more device flexibility, not necessarily interest in outside information

Some North Koreans are hacking their smart devices with specialist software to get around state control mechanisms, a new report from the non-profit Lumen says, a development which has triggered Pyongyang to draft new penalties in response.

A two-pillar signature system for devices in North Korea prevents non-authorized applications and imprints media files, such as photographs, with a unique code required for sharing with other devices to work, the report explains. The former prevents foreign applications from being used on DPRK devices while the latter prevents outside media files – such as South Korean movies – from being read or saved.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.