---
title: "Experts Warn North Korea Is Using AI Nefarious Purposes"
description: "Researchers have found that North Korean scientists are using artificial intelligence for surveillance and wargaming purposes."
date: "2024-01-27"
modified: "2024-01-27"
authors:
  - name: "Victor Tangermann"
    job_title: "Senior Editor"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor"
url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/north-korea-ai"
categories:
  - "Artificial Intelligence"
tags:
  - "artificial intelligence"
  - "cyberwarfare"
  - "north korea"
  - "the digest"
---

# Experts Warn North Korea Is Using AI Nefarious Purposes

![Researchers have found that North Korean scientists are using artificial intelligence for surveillance and wargaming purposes.](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/north-korea-ai.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: Getty Images\</em\>*

## AI Wargames

Researchers say that North Korean scientists are using AI for surveillance and wargaming purposes.

In a [study](<https://www.38north.org/2024/01/north-koreas-artificial-intelligence-research-trends-and-potential-civilian-and-military-applications/>), first [reported on by *Reuters*](<https://www.reuters.com/technology/north-koreas-ai-development-raises-sanctions-concerns-report-says-2024-01-23/>), Hyuk Kim of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California argued that while sanctions have hampered the country's ability to secure hardware to run these AI systems, North Korea is still pursuing the tech.

"Given that AI/\[machine learning\] is a software-centric technology that can be transferred via intangible means... it is important to monitor such activities and, if necessary, implement measures to mitigate potential sanctions risks within the academic and private sectors," Kim noted.

## Tech Transfer

Earlier this week, the [*Korea Times* reported](<https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/01/103_367521.html>) that South Korea's state intelligence agency found that North Korean hackers had attempted to use generative AI for cyberwarfare and other illicit activities.

Per the newspaper, the agency identified 1.62 million daily hacking attempts in South Korea's public sector last year. North Korea reportedly accounted for 80 percent of the total hacks last year.

As far as AI is concerned, Kim noted that the country is looking for ways to get an upper hand on the battlefield by leveraging the tech.

"For instance, North Korea’s pursuit of a wargaming simulation program using (machine learning) reveals intentions to better comprehend operational environments against potential adversaries," the report reads. "Furthermore, North Korea’s ongoing collaborations with foreign scholars pose concerns for the sanctions regime."

In response, Kim argued that national authorities should "proactively engage with cloud computing service providers and academic/professional associations."

The threat of sensitive knowledge about AI leaking across borders is real. As [*The Register* points out](<https://www.theregister.com/2024/01/24/ai_north_korea_cloud_warning/>), North Korea has already sent IT operatives to infiltrate companies overseas while [posing as remote workers](<https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/19/north_korea_fake_freelance_avoidance/>).

In short, state actors can easily obtain new AI resources and know-how through technologies like cloud computing services, and that should have the international community ready to spring into action.

**More on North Korea:** *[North Korea Attempts to Launch Satellite But It Crashes Into Ocean](<https://futurism.com/the-byte/north-korea-satellite-crashes>)*

## Author
I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida.

### Author social links  
[Bluesky](<https://bsky.app/profile/vtanger.bsky.social>)