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AI Hacks Hit South Korea's Financial Sector
28 Oct
Summary
- South Korean financial firms Daishin, Mirae, and Bithumb targeted.
- Customer data exposed in one breach, others under investigation.
- Regulator calls for stronger cybersecurity measures nationwide.
South Korea's financial institutions are experiencing a significant surge in cyberattacks, with recent incidents impacting Daishin Securities, Mirae Asset Global Investments, and the crypto exchange Bithumb. These events raise alarms about the growing sophistication of hacking, potentially involving AI-driven tools.
Daishin Securities confirmed a breach exposing the personal data of 38,490 customers, including names and contact details. The company is cooperating with authorities and ensuring legal compensation for any losses. Mirae and Bithumb also reported separate cybersecurity incidents, though customer data compromise has not been confirmed for these cases.
The recent attacks follow a similar series of breaches approximately one month prior, which security researchers tentatively linked to a China-based hacker utilizing an AI penetration testing tool. While investigations are ongoing, South Korea's financial regulator has urged for a substantial upgrade in cybersecurity protocols across the financial industry.
Authorities in Seoul announced plans for extensive security checks on numerous IT systems within the private sector. This heightened vigilance comes as Japan also reported a cybersecurity incident involving GMO Internet, underscoring a broader regional concern about cyber threats. Investigators have not yet established a definitive link between the various incidents across Asia.
