South Korea’s financial institutions have been targeted by another wave of cyberattacks, highlighting the increasing risk of AI-driven hacking throughout Asia. The recent incidents involve brokerages Daishin Securities and Mirae Asset Global Investments, alongside the crypto exchange Bithumb.
This wave arrives approximately one month after a previous series of attacks against South Korean financial institutions, raising concerns that vulnerabilities extend beyond the country's banking systems alone. Security researchers linked the September wave of attacks to a suspected China-based hacker who utilized an AI penetration testing tool known as Artex, although officials are still investigating the root cause of these latest breaches.
According to local reports, Daishin reported a cyberattack that exposed the personal information of 38,490 customers, including names, email addresses, and mobile phone numbers. The company has notified the affected individuals and is cooperating with authorities, stating it will compensate for any losses as required by law.
Simultaneously, Mirae and Bithumb reported separate cybersecurity incidents on Wednesday, according to local media, though neither entity has confirmed that customer data was compromised.
Following a string of attacks on financial firms and government agencies, South Korea's financial regulator has called for stronger cybersecurity measures, as announced by officials in Seoul on Wednesday. The government also plans to conduct security checks on dozens of IT systems within the private sector.
Yesterday, Japan reported a cybersecurity incident involving GMO Internet, following a series of attacks on its own financial institutions. This wave of cyberattacks across Asia underscores growing cybersecurity challenges in the region, often stemming from years of weak security; however, investigators have not established a connection between the incidents.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission (FSC), along with Daishin Securities, Bithumb, and Mirae Asset Global Investments, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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