Are Hacking Attempts Against the Constitutional Court in S. Korea Increasing Since 2017?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The alarming rise in hacking attempts against South Korea's Constitutional Court since 2017 underscores a pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. With the number of attempts soaring to over 1.16 million, there are serious implications for public safety and trust in governmental institutions. Explore the details of this concerning trend and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- Hacking attempts against the Constitutional Court have escalated significantly since 2017.
- Over 1.16 million cyberattacks were recorded, with 187,000 in 2024 alone.
- Cybersecurity agencies are facing a shortage of personnel, hampering response efforts.
- The government has increased the cybersecurity budget to address these issues.
- Experts urge for enhanced vigilance and readiness against cyber threats.
Seoul, Oct 5 (NationPress) The frequency of hacking attempts targeting the Constitutional Court has been steadily increasing since 2017, according to data released on Sunday, leading to heightened concerns regarding cybersecurity in public institutions.
Rep. Choo Mi-ae of the ruling Democratic Party referenced information from the Constitutional Court indicating approximately 1.16 million cyberattack attempts have been recorded against the court since 2017, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The number of attempts, which were all identified and thwarted, was 85,000 in 2017, escalating to 187,000 in 2024, the report revealed.
For the period from January to August in 2025, the number of attempts was around 80,000.
"The cyber threats are on the rise. We must enhance our vigilance and improve our security measures," Choo emphasized.
In addition, South Korea's cybersecurity agency is grappling with a shortage of personnel amid the increasing volume of cyber threats reported by local firms, a lawmaker noted on Sunday.
According to data shared by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), Rep. Kim Jang-kyom of the main opposition People Power Party stated that the agency received 1,887 reports of security breaches from South Korean companies in 2024, marking a 47 percent increase from the previous year.
For the period of January to August 2025, breach reports totaled 1,501, as per the data.
Despite the rising number of cyberattacks reported by businesses, the count of response personnel has only reached 132, an increase of just nine since 2022.
During the same timeframe, South Korea's budget for hacking and virus response systems grew by 22 percent to 73.6 billion won (approximately US$52.4 million), according to the lawmaker.
"The minimal increase in investigators at KISA over the years highlights the country's lack of preparedness against these threats," Kim remarked.
Point of View
It is imperative to emphasize the critical nature of cybersecurity in safeguarding our institutions. The significant increase in hacking attempts against the Constitutional Court raises urgent questions about our preparedness and resilience against cyber threats. The evident shortage of personnel in cybersecurity agencies further complicates the issue, demanding immediate attention and action.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trend in hacking attempts against the Constitutional Court?
Since 2017, there has been a significant rise in hacking attempts against the Constitutional Court, with approximately 1.16 million attempted attacks reported.
How many hacking attempts were recorded in 2024?
In 2024, the number of detected hacking attempts against the Constitutional Court surged to 187,000.
What measures are being taken to address cybersecurity in South Korea?
The South Korean government has increased its budget for hacking and virus response systems by 22 percent, indicating a commitment to bolstering cybersecurity.
Is the cybersecurity workforce sufficient to handle current threats?
Despite the rising number of cyberattacks, the workforce at the Korea Internet & Security Agency has only increased marginally, leading to concerns about effective response capabilities.
What was the budget for cybersecurity in South Korea?
The budget for hacking and virus response systems in South Korea rose to 73.6 billion won (around US$52.4 million) in the latest fiscal period.
