(LEAD) 28 IP addresses behind recent hacking attacks against Korean financial institutions: watchdog

Seoul, October 6 - Korea's financial watchdog has identified 28 IP addresses in the United States, Japan, and 10 other countries as the source of recent hacking attacks against Korean financial institutions, according to industry sources. Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, and Shinhan Bank were among the companies affected, experiencing back-to-back leaks of customer information.

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has shortlisted the IP addresses, which are believed to have been used for AI-backed hacking, but has yet to confirm the locations of some of them. Financial firms are racing to strengthen their security systems to prevent further attacks. President Lee Jae Myung has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incidents.

On Thursday, Shinhan Bank revealed that personal data of around 25,000 customers, including their names, phone numbers, and annual income, had been stolen, with hackers employing advanced AI tools. Hana Bank reported that the personal information of 89 customers was compromised, while Woori Bank and NH Nonghyup Bank also fell victim to similar hacks, though the banks managed to block unauthorized access to their systems.