North Korea inspects national e-payment infrastructure

The inspectors will file a comprehensive report on their August activities to the Cabinet, a source told Daily NK

As North Korea conducts a sweeping inspection of its e-payment system, the Pyongyang Information Technology Bureau has been leading inspections of computer networks and equipment replacements at base stations nationwide, Daily NK has learned.

Speaking anonymously, a Daily NK source in North Korea said recently that for the first month of the inspection, the authorities “drew up plans to inspect the nationwide e-payment system, collected basic data and ascertained the current situation.” He said that in August, the second month of the effort, the authorities “plan to intensively carry out inspections of facilities in each region and replace equipment.”

According to the source, a technical inspection team from the Pyongyang Information Technology Bureau has been visiting major base stations in the greater Pyongyang area, including the capital itself, Nampo, Pyongsong in South Pyongan province and Sariwon in North Hwanghae province, to inspect their data processing systems. The inspectors are focusing on whether data is being exchanged smoothly — and in real time — between major banks and e-payment-capable shops. They are also replacing equipment when necessary.

Security and stability: Key focus areas

The inspection team is taking particular pains to verify the stability of e-payment systems to ensure solid 24-hour operations. The technicians are immediately diagnosing and solving system errors and breakdowns when they occur. They are also holding working-level workshops on this response at base stations and banks, the source said.

“From the middle of this month, the technical inspection team has been touring and inspecting base stations and banks a bit further from the capital,” the source said. “They are focusing on equipment replacements so that the e-payment-related infrastructure in each region operates uniformly, with the authorities hoping this will strengthen ties between Pyongyang and the provinces.”

“At the end of this month, they will carry out more in-depth technical inspections with the participation of experts from card research centers,” the source said. “In particular, they plan to inspect defense systems to protect the security of e-payment systems from outside threats like network intrusions and craft necessary measures.”

The inspectors will file a comprehensive report on their August activities to the Cabinet, the source added.

The Cabinet is constantly emphasizing the importance of the August inspection to the inspection team, calling it a critical step to achieving the goal of building confidence in the nation’s e-payment system.

“The Cabinet implored the people’s committees in each region to cooperate actively, but with local authorities pursuing flood recovery efforts as their top priority, the technical inspection team has been making due practically on its own,” the source said.

Before this, Daily NK — quoting a source in North Korea — reported that the Pyongyang Information Technology Bureau would inspect the domestic electronic payment system from July to October to improve its safety and efficiency, per a Cabinet order.

The inspection indicates North Korea aims to boost public trust in digital banking by improving e-payment systems. This effort aligns with the country’s goal to speed up its transition to digital finance.

Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.

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