Emergency Response Activated by South Korea's Science Ministry Amid Financial Sector Hacking
The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT has activated a 24-hour emergency response system in collaboration with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) following a series of hacking incidents in the financial sector. To prevent the spread of cyberattacks beyond the financial industry, the ministry has recommended security checks for approximately 28,000 companies.
On October 4, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it has initiated an emergency response system with KISA to address recent hacking incidents in the financial sector and to prevent similar occurrences.
Investigations and responses to the hacking incidents are currently being led by the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Financial Security Institute. The Ministry of Science and ICT and KISA have strengthened their cyber threat response measures to prevent attacks in the financial sector from spreading to other private sectors or causing additional damage.
KISA has enhanced its Internet Security Response Center (KISC) to operate a 24-hour emergency response system. This includes increased monitoring of major corporate websites, bolstering incident response personnel, and ensuring emergency response teams are on standby.
The ministry is also encouraging companies to strengthen their own security measures. Through platforms like Protect Korea and the Cyber Threat Analysis and Sharing System (C-TAS), the Ministry of Science and ICT and KISA are providing relevant cyber threat information.
In particular, emails recommending security checks have been sent to about 28,000 companies that have reported a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
The Financial Security Institute has communicated threat information regarding the internet addresses (IP) of foreign attackers to the relevant cloud service providers, requesting necessary actions to block malicious activities.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has also prepared personnel and response systems to be deployed immediately to the field if the Financial Services Commission or the Financial Supervisory Service requests support from KISA's cybersecurity experts.
Moving forward, the ministry plans to continue collaborating with relevant agencies during the investigation process. It aims to monitor cyber threat trends in the financial sector and other private information and communication services continuously, dedicating efforts to prevent similar incidents and the spread of additional damage.