Despite Sanctions, North Koreans Continue to Use Foreign Technology

Summary:

Insikt Group's recent analysis reveals that North Koreans continue to use foreign technology to access the internet despite heavy sanctions. This includes Apple, Samsung, and Huawei devices, as well as various social media platforms. A notable finding is the increased use of obfuscation services like VPNs and proxies to circumvent censorship and surveillance. These activities demonstrate North Koreans' growing operational security awareness and highlight the regime's ability to acquire foreign technology, potentially undermining the effectiveness of sanctions.

Despite Sanctions, North Koreans Continue to Use Foreign Technology

Despite stringent international sanctions, North Koreans continue to use foreign technology to access the internet for personal and professional use. Findings based on Insikt Group’s recent analysis of Recorded Future Network Intelligence data associated with North Korea, building on previous analyses between 2017 and 2020, show individuals in North Korea leverage devices and services from Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and others, showcasing a sophisticated approach to bypassing government censorship and maintaining global connectivity.

The analysis reveals North Koreans are not as isolated as commonly perceived. Even with sanctions in place, a select group of individuals can access the internet and utilize various technologies to stay connected. This includes using smartphones, laptops, and tablets from well-known international brands. Despite the sanctions, North Korea continues to import foreign technology, often through its trade relationships with China and Russia.

A select subset of North Koreans engage in activities similar to those in other parts of the world, such as browsing social media, streaming content, and playing video games. Facebook, Instagram, and WeChat are commonly used. This trend persists despite the government's efforts to control information and restrict internet access.

A significant finding from the report is the increased use of obfuscation services. North Koreans are now more frequently using VPNs and proxy services to evade domestic surveillance and censorship. This marks a shift towards greater operational security awareness among users who seek to avoid detection by the regime.

The findings suggest that organizations need to exercise due diligence when dealing with markets that may indirectly supply sanctioned entities. Companies should be vigilant about where their products end up, as there could be legal and financial repercussions if their technology is found in North Korea.

North Koreans are expected to continue using foreign technology despite sanctions due to ongoing trade with China and a growing relationship with Russia. Russia's recent veto against UN sanctions monitoring further complicates the imposition of new sanctions. North Koreans are likely to maintain global internet browsing patterns, use VPNs to mask activities, and rely on official news sources. These behaviors highlight the regime's resilience in accessing global technology.

To read the entire analysis, click here to download the report as a PDF.