Lazarus Group targets Python devs with fake jobs, coding malware

TLDR:

• North Korean hackers have been targeting Python developers with malware disguised as coding tests for a year.
• The attacks have been part of an active campaign by the Lazarus Group.

According to a report from Reversing Labs, North Korean hackers, specifically the Lazarus Group, have been targeting Python developers for about a year. The attacks involve fake job opportunities that lead to malware installation on the victim’s system. This malware is cleverly hidden with Base64 encoding and allows for remote execution once installed. The motivation behind these attacks is unclear, but it is suspected that North Korea is trying to sabotage the cyber workforce outside of the country.

The attacks have been ongoing since at least August of 2023 and have recently escalated to include coding tests that serve as a disguise for malware. The victims range from job-seeking programmers to developers in sensitive organizations. The Lazarus Group’s attacks are part of an active campaign, with new exploitation tools appearing on platforms like GitHub in response to victims reaching out for help.

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, it is essential to be wary of false job opportunities and understand the potential risks associated with seemingly harmless coding tests. State-sponsored hackers like the Lazarus Group are constantly looking for cybersecurity gaps to exploit for financial gain or information gathering. Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself and your systems from such attacks.