Have Corporate Cybersecurity Threats in South Korea Surpassed 7,000 Cases Over the Last Six Years?
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Synopsis
In South Korea, alarming cybersecurity incidents have exceeded 7,000 cases over six years, raising serious concerns. With hacking attacks on telecom and financial firms escalating, the urgency for enhanced cybersecurity measures has never been greater. What steps will be taken to ensure safety in the face of these threats?
Key Takeaways
- Over 7,000 cybersecurity incidents reported in South Korea in six years.
- Majority of cases involve system hacking.
- Small and medium-sized firms account for 82% of incidents.
- Recent breaches highlight the need for improved reporting and transparency.
- Collaboration is essential for enhancing national cybersecurity strategies.
Seoul, Sep 21 (NationPress) More than 7,000 incidents of data breaches have been recorded by enterprises in South Korea in the last six years, according to data released on Sunday. This alarming statistic raises significant concerns regarding the nation’s cybersecurity landscape, particularly in light of a recent wave of hacking incidents targeting telecom and financial sectors.
A total of 7,198 cybersecurity threats were reported to authorities between 2020 and the previous Sunday, based on data provided to Rep. Hwang Jung-a of the ruling Democratic Party.
The number of incidents was recorded at 603 in 2020 and saw a slight increase to 640 in 2021. However, it nearly doubled in 2022 with 1,142 incidents, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
In 2023, there were 1,277 reported cases, followed by 1,887 in 2024 and 1,649 thus far this year.
Small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for 5,907 cases, which is approximately 82 percent of the overall total. Mid-sized companies reported 592 incidents, while conglomerates had 242 cases. Nonprofit organizations also contributed with 457 cases.
The majority of reported incidents involved system hacking, which made up 4,354 cases or 60.5 percent of the total. Malware infections and distributions accounted for 20.9 percent, and DDoS attacks comprised 18.6 percent.
To provide more detail, system hacking incidents numbered 250 in 2020, representing 41.4 percent of the total that year. However, this figure surged to 72.8 percent last year, and it currently stands at 61.3 percent this year, according to the same data.
In another concern, a recent breach involving mobile payments at KT Corp. has revealed a wider impact than initially thought. The breach has extended beyond the originally identified areas of southwestern Seoul and portions of Gyeonggi Province, as indicated in a report submitted by the firm to a lawmaker.
The newly affected regions now include southern parts of Seoul and Goyang, located northwest of the capital, as stated by Rep. Hwang Jung-a, referencing the report from KT.
On Thursday, South Korea’s second-largest mobile carrier announced that the number of victims had escalated to 362, an increase from the initial figure of 278.
“It would have been beneficial for the investigation if KT had quickly provided detailed information on the locations and timings of the breaches. I am perplexed as to why KT is divulging information gradually,” stated Hwang.
Point of View
The increasing number of cybersecurity incidents in South Korea necessitates a unified national response. The government, businesses, and citizens must collaborate to bolster defenses against these threats. As we navigate this digital age, our approach to cybersecurity must evolve to protect sensitive information and maintain trust in our institutions.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major types of cybersecurity threats reported in South Korea?
The most common threats include system hacking (60.5%), malware infections (20.9%), and DDoS attacks (18.6%).
Which sectors are most affected by cybersecurity incidents in South Korea?
Telecom and financial sectors have faced significant hacking incidents, raising concerns about data integrity and security.
How many cybersecurity cases were reported in 2023?
There were a total of 1,277 reported cybersecurity incidents in 2023.
What role do small and medium-sized enterprises play in cybersecurity incidents?
Small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for approximately 82% of all reported cases, totaling 5,907 incidents.
What is the importance of timely reporting in cybersecurity breaches?
Timely reporting is crucial for effective investigations and for mitigating further risks to affected users.
