PM calls for sweeping overhaul of information security systems following wave of cyberattacks

SEOUL, October 6 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has called for a comprehensive overhaul of South Korea's information protection system, expressing concern that recent cyberattacks on major financial institutions indicate that current security measures are no longer effective. Several financial firms, including Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, and Shinhan Bank, have recently experienced multiple leaks of customer data.

President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the seriousness of the issue and called for a thorough investigation.

During a meeting with relevant ministers on Tuesday, Prime Minister Han stressed that the situation is serious due to the potential exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI) in phishing attacks. She warned that such AI-driven attacks could lead to secondary damage and that similar hacking methods could spread beyond the financial sector, affecting other industries, government, and public sectors.

Han argued that the increasing number of information security breaches demonstrates that existing security awareness, systems, and government frameworks are insufficient to handle the rapidly evolving information landscape.

The prime minister instructed government agencies, public institutions, financial companies, and private enterprises to remain vigilant and treat this incident as a catalyst for a rapid overhaul of security systems. She also directed the police to mobilize all available resources for a thorough investigation and urged financial authorities to ensure affected institutions implement proper customer protection measures and provide compensation for the damage.