Hackers with the help of AI stole customer data in banks in South Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has demanded a thorough investigation into a series of hacks that leaked personal information at major banks and financial companies last week. The attack affected, among others, Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank, according to the Renhap news agency.

Shinhan Bank on October 1, reported the leak of personal information of approximately 25,000 customers, including their names, phone numbers and annual income. Sources said the bank was attacked by hackers who used advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools. 89 clients were stolen from Hana Bank. Woori Bank and NH Nonghyup Bank were also tracked, but they blocked unauthorized access to their systems.

President Lee Jae Myung was informed of the measures being taken. He instructed the authorities to make every effort to solve the problems.

Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, the main financial regulator of the country, Lee Yok-won and head of the Financial Supervisory Service Lee Chang-jin held an emergency meeting with the management of the companies. The head of the commission said that violations in the field of security were revealed not only in large commercial banks, but also in savings banks and specialized credit and financial companies.

Lee Yok Won also suggested that hackers have not yet been able to obtain sensitive information that can be used for unauthorized payments. He urged the financial sector to remain vigilant and warned that the stolen data could still be used for voice phishing or other fraudulent schemes.

Ernest Philippowski