Altcoins News

Story: North Korean Hackers Target Crypto Bosses Through Fake LinkedIn Job Posts

By Steven Anderson

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Fireblocks CEO Michael Shaulov dropped a bombshell at a New York cybersecurity conference on February 19, 2026.

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These aren't your typical phishing attempts. The hackers build elaborate fake profiles with made-up credentials, work history, and professional connections that look completely…

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LinkedIn knows about it. The platform is scrambling to remove fake profiles.

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But nobody really knows how big the problem is yet. LinkedIn won't say much about it, which is frustrating for security folks trying to get a handle on the scope.

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Fireblocks beefed up its security after discovering the threat. Shaulov keeps telling other crypto companies they need to stay alert because these hackers are constantly evolving…

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The timing couldn't be worse. Crypto markets are already jittery.

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Elliptic, the blockchain analytics firm, found cryptocurrency transactions tied to these scams.

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The Justice Department is considering legal action. A DOJ spokesperson said on February 17, 2026, that they're reviewing potential charges, though prosecuting North Korean state…

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Binance issued warnings to users on February 16, 2026, telling them to be suspicious of random LinkedIn recruitment offers.

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South Korea's National Intelligence Service opened its own investigation on February 14, 2026, looking into similar recruitment scams hitting domestic tech companies.

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A Blockchain Association survey published February 13, 2026, found that 62% of crypto executives feel unprepared to handle targeted cyber threats.

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Gemini announced a partnership with Palo Alto Networks on February 12, 2026, to build advanced threat detection tools.

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The education angle is huge too. Shaulov keeps hammering the point that employee training is crucial. "Education is our first line of defense," he said.

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LinkedIn's response speed is becoming a real issue. Some crypto executives are complaining that the platform takes too long to remove fake profiles once they're reported.

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Fireblocks continues monitoring the situation and expects more developments soon.

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