Did South Korea Initiate an Investigation into an Alleged Sale of SK Telecom Client Data?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, South Korea's Ministry of Science has launched a probe into a serious allegation involving a hacking group attempting to sell sensitive customer data from SK Telecom. The case raises critical concerns about data security and consumer safety in the digital age.
Key Takeaways
- SK Telecom is under investigation due to a hacking group's claim of selling client data.
- The hacking group Scattered Lapsus$ posted the data for US$10,000.
- Concerns are rising about the security of personal information.
- The government is also probing KT Corp. for unauthorized payments.
- SK Telecom denies any data breach, calling the claims a scam.
Seoul, Sep 16 (NationPress) The Ministry of Science has announced an official investigation regarding a suspected attempt to sell personal information that was allegedly compromised from South Korea's leading mobile operator, SK Telecom Co.
This action follows a global hacking collective known as Scattered Lapsus$, which disclosed on its Telegram channel that it intended to auction SK Telecom's customer data for US$10,000. Reports indicate that 42 South Koreans have already reached out to the group, according to Yonhap news agency.
The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "Upon learning that a global hacking group has obtained client data from SK Telecom and is attempting to sell it, we have requested the mobile provider to provide relevant documents and will conduct on-site inspections to verify the facts."
The hacking group claims the stolen data encompasses customers' IDs, names, phone numbers, emails, addresses, and birth dates.
The group further threatened SK Telecom, insisting they must negotiate or risk the exposure of all 27 million users' data.
In April, the company revealed that private information of its entire user base may have been compromised during a cyberattack on its network servers.
The government has also initiated an inquiry into KT Corp., the second-largest mobile operator, which reported 278 instances of unauthorized mobile transactions totaling 170 million won ($122,000), raising alarms about a potential customer data breach.
An official from the ministry remarked, "Public concern over the recent series of data breaches is escalating. We aim to swiftly verify related allegations and transparently share our findings with the public."
Meanwhile, SK Telecom has asserted that the data set in question, which the hacking group claims to be selling, has never been compromised, implying that the attempted sale may be a scam.
An SK Telecom representative mentioned, "After reviewing sample data, web screenshots, and file transfer protocol images posted on the dark web, we've determined that all information is fraudulent, and the website does not belong to our company's system."
They added, "The alleged 100 GB of data claimed by the hackers was never leaked."
According to a report from the Korea Internet & Security Agency, Rep. Choi Soo-jin of the main opposition People Power Party noted that the hacking group had also listed SK Telecom's internal software source code for sale at $250,000.
The group has claimed to possess tools for intercepting text messages and tracking phone calls in real-time, which SK Telecom has firmly denied.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal information in a digital society. The alarming trend of data breaches necessitates a robust response from both regulatory bodies and corporations. The investigation into SK Telecom's situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and transparency to protect consumers.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation into SK Telecom?
The Ministry of Science initiated an investigation after a global hacking group claimed to possess and was attempting to sell client data from SK Telecom.
What type of data was allegedly leaked?
The hacking group claims that the leaked data includes clients' IDs, names, phone numbers, emails, addresses, and birth dates.
What is SK Telecom's stance on the data breach?
SK Telecom has stated that the data being claimed as leaked is fraudulent and has never been compromised.
How is the government responding to data breaches?
The government is investigating multiple mobile carriers to ensure consumer data protection and address unauthorized transactions.
What are the implications of this data breach for consumers?
Consumers face heightened risks regarding their personal information, emphasizing the need for strong data protection measures.
