It's safer not to underestimate them. Every country has smart, competent people in it, no matter how poor or how oppressive their government. A cybersecurity /

It's safer not to underestimate them. Every country has smart, competent people in it, no matter how poor or how oppressive their government. A cybersecurity / black hat program is much cheaper than nuclear or ballistic missile programs; and mostly just a matter of human resources and education. And North Korea can set up very strong rewards and incentives for those who do well. Put their whole family up in Pyongyang luxury apartments, etc. They aren't competing with FAANG salaries, except maybe for a few outside experts that they might bring in to kick off a program.