Telephone bill payment by Jongsong Card
North Koreans can now pay their fixed-line telephone bills with the “Jongsong” (전성) payment card, state-run DPRK Today reports. Payments are made by dialing 136 on a telephone and connecting…
Technology
Kim Chaek University ranks 8th in international programming contest
Students from Kim Chaek University of Technology have finished in 8th position in the International Collegiate Programming Contest. The annual event pits students from the world’s top universities against each other…
A closer look at North Korea’s Manbang IPTV box
It has been two and a half years since North Korean TV showcased a new IP streaming television service called “Manbang” (만방). Since then, it occasionally appears in state media…
North Korea’s newest smartphone might be made in China
Update: The Chinese electronics company identified in this report has subsequently confirmed they are producing this on behalf of Phurunhanul Electronics. North Korea’s Phurunhanul Electronics (푸른하늘), one of the country’s leading…
North Korea’s anti-virus software contains Trend Micro code, say researchers
SiliVaccine, a North Korean anti-virus application for Windows, includes elements of code lifted from an anti-virus engine produced by Japan’s Trend Micro, according to a detailed analysis of the software…
Kim Jong Un tries out virtual reality
Kim Jong Un experienced a virtual reality demonstration as part of his recent visit to Beijing. In a photo issued by North Korea’s state media, the leader and his wife…
More on SiliVaccine, North Korea’s anti-virus scanner
Several years ago I obtained a copy of SiliVaccine, an anti-virus scanner developed in North Korea. Recently I’ve been working with Mark Lechtik at Check Point Software who has done…
A look inside the Potonggang Electronics factory
Korean Central Television (조선중앙텔레비죤) broadcast footage over the new year holiday of the flat-panel TV assembly line of Potonggang Electronics (보통강전자제품공장). The video shows workers testing LCD TV components, putting…
A Closer Look at North Korea’s Ullim Tablet
Computer security researchers analyzing a North Korean tablet computer have discovered a level of surveillance and control not previously seen inside electronics from the DPRK.
