Was Coupang's Electronic Signature Key Compromised in a Data Breach?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, Coupang Inc. has suffered a data breach impacting over 30 million customers. The breach, occurring between June and November, involved the misuse of the company's electronic signature key. As investigations unfold, this incident raises serious concerns about data security in the e-commerce sector.
Key Takeaways
- The Coupang data breach compromised over 30 million customer records.
- The breach lasted from June to November and was linked to the electronic signature key.
- Personal information including names and contact details were exposed.
- A police investigation is underway to determine the identity of the attacker.
- Coupang remains a leading e-commerce platform in South Korea despite this incident.
Seoul, Dec 2 (NationPress) A significant data breach incident involving the e-commerce titan Coupang Inc. has compromised the information of over 30 million customers. The breach extended from June to November and was linked to the unauthorized use of the firm’s electronic signature key, as stated by officials on Tuesday.
During a parliamentary session, Second Vice Minister Ryu Je-myung highlighted, "Upon reviewing all log data from July last year to November this year, we have verified that private information from more than 30 million accounts has been exposed." The breach was reportedly executed between June 24 and November 8, according to Yonhap news agency.
The attacker allegedly utilized Coupang's electronic signature key, which is essential for accessing the company's servers.
Ryu emphasized the necessity of a police investigation to pinpoint the perpetrator, referencing claims from a former Coupang employee who allegedly sent an email to the company, asserting that they had stolen over 30 million items of personal information.
Just last week, the U.S.-listed e-commerce leader disclosed that personal data of 33.7 million customers had been compromised. This included sensitive details such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, and delivery information for nearly all Coupang members.
Coupang is well-known for its next-day delivery service for fresh groceries and everyday essentials, making it one of the most popular shopping platforms in South Korea, with 34 million active users reported in November, an increase of 0.68 percent from the previous month.
Meanwhile, South Korean stocks saw an uptrend late Tuesday morning, fueled by robust performances in major chip stocks.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose by 63.79 points, or 1.63 percent, reaching 3,984.16 as of 11:20 a.m.
Most large-cap shares experienced gains, with Samsung Electronics rising by 2.48 percent and SK hynix increasing by 3.72 percent.
Automakers also saw positive momentum, with Hyundai Motor climbing by 4.52 percent and Kia up by 3.38 percent.
Conversely, Hanwha Aerospace decreased by 1.35 percent, and LG Energy Solution dropped by 0.36 percent.
As of 11:20 a.m., the local currency was trading at 1,469.5 won to the U.S. dollar, up by 0.4 won from the prior session's close.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the gravity of the data breach affecting Coupang. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities present in digital platforms, urging a reevaluation of data protection strategies. The implications for consumer trust and corporate accountability are profound, and it is vital to monitor the developments closely.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Coupang data breach?
The data breach was caused by the exploitation of Coupang's electronic signature key, allowing unauthorized access to customer data.
How many customers were affected by the breach?
The breach impacted the data of over 30 million customers.
What type of information was compromised?
Compromised information included names, phone numbers, email addresses, and delivery details.
What actions are being taken in response to the breach?
Authorities are conducting a police investigation to identify the perpetrator behind the breach.
How can customers protect their information?
Customers should monitor their accounts for unusual activity and consider changing their passwords as a precaution.
