North Korean Internet Usage and Foreign Technology Access

This technical report by Insikt Group analyzes the continued use of foreign technology by North Koreans despite sanctions. It details how North Koreans are acquiring the latest foreign devices, such as those from Apple, Samsung, and Huawei, and using them for personal and professional activities, including social media engagement and online gaming. The report highlights the adoption of obfuscation services, such as VPNs and proxies, indicating an increased awareness of online operational security among users. The analysis is based on Recorded Future Network Intelligence data, which suggests that North Koreans are not isolated from global internet trends, as they actively browse social media and access foreign news websites. The findings also reveal that North Koreans abroad frequently visit official regime news sites, demonstrating a connection to their home country. The report emphasizes the implications of these behaviors for organizations regarding the potential transfer of technology to North Korea and the associated risks of sanctions violations.