President Lee Jae Myung said signs had emerged that AI was used in hacks on banks. Police are investigating breaches that exposed customer data at several lenders.
President Lee Jae Myung said at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that signs had emerged of artificial intelligence being used in some recent hacking incidents against banks, causing public concern. He told ministers to establish the circumstances quickly and to concentrate personnel and resources on limiting the damage.
Police have opened a full investigation into attacks on commercial banks that led to breaches of customers' personal information, Yonhap reported, according to Reuters. The Financial Services Commission said on Friday that Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and others had reported cyberattacks. Yonhap reported that Hana Bank and Woori Bank were also affected.
Authorities have not disclosed what AI tools were allegedly used, who was behind the attacks, or the full scale of the breaches. On Sunday, FSC chairman Lee Eog-weon held an emergency meeting with industry associations, regulators and executives and warned that the sector needed the highest level of vigilance.
On Tuesday the Financial Supervisory Service and the Financial Security Institute shared 28 unique IP addresses and some country information linked to the attempts with the financial sector. Lee called for cybersecurity methods suited to the AI era.
No arrest or attribution was announced with the cabinet remarks. The next step described by the president is a clear account of what happened and steps to limit further exposure of customer data.
People Sentiments Negative
- Lee Jae Myung said signs of AI use in the bank hacks had caused considerable public concern and anxiety.
- Lee Eog-weon warned the financial sector to respond with the highest level of vigilance.