Coinbase tightens workforce security after North Korea remote-worker threats

Coinbase has tightened workforce security measures in response to threats and infiltration attempts by North Korean hackers exploiting its remote work policy.

Key updated security policies include:

• Restricting access to sensitive systems exclusively to U.S. citizens.

• Mandating in-person training for all workers involved with sensitive operations, conducted in the U.S.

• Requiring biometric verification, including fingerprinting, for personnel with access to critical systems.

• Employees in sensitive roles must have family members residing in the U.S. to reinforce loyalty and accountability.

These changes mark a significant shift away from Coinbase’s previously flexible remote work model, reflecting heightened concerns about cyber threats, particularly from North Korea.

The tightening comes after North Korean operatives infiltrated Coinbase as remote freelancers and attempted cyber extortion. Less than 1% of monthly users were affected by a prior data breach attributed to such activities, which may cost the company between $180 million and $400 million in remediation, though no major assets were lost.

CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized that the goal is to protect both the company and its users from sophisticated attacks, with measures aligned to national security priorities amid escalating geopolitical cyber threats. This move also signals a broader industry trend of balancing workforce flexibility with increased security controls in high-risk sectors.

The company's 2025 financial plan prioritizes investments in compliance and infrastructure security to maintain user trust and operational integrity, setting a precedent for how crypto platforms can respond to emerging threats.

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