The National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee began its audit on October 6, focusing on the recent surge in data breaches. Baek Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, announced plans to increase the ministry's cybersecurity budget from 363.4 billion won to 523.2 billion won, a 44% increase, to address these issues.
During the audit, Baek responded to a question from Rep. Seo Cheon-ho of the ruling People Power Party, who noted that incidents of data breaches had risen by 45% and security incidents by 26% compared to 2023. Baek acknowledged that while the budget for AI-based breach response systems had increased, overall related funding had decreased.
Baek also emphasized the ministry's commitment to developing standard response manuals for managing ongoing breach incidents, stating that the ministry would work closely with relevant companies and across government agencies to disseminate these guidelines.
He outlined the ministry's response strategy under the revised Telecommunications Business Act, which took effect on October 1. The new law allows for immediate on-site investigations when hacking is suspected, without requiring separate reports from companies. Additionally, companies that repeatedly cause cyber incidents due to intentional or gross negligence will face fines of 3% of their related revenue.
Baek noted that while the effectiveness of the revised law has yet to be fully realized, he is optimistic about its impact and pledged to strengthen punitive and economic sanctions.
After the questioning, Song Gi-hun, the committee chair, remarked that it may be necessary to discuss whether the Ministry of Science and ICT's response to hacking incidents in the financial sector has been adequate, given that a 24-hour emergency response system is in place.
Rep. Choi Hyung-doo of the People Power Party also raised concerns about the government's response to data breaches, pointing out the steady increase in incidents across telecommunications, finance, and security sectors. He questioned whether a comprehensive government response plan is effectively in place and expressed doubts about the government's vigilance regarding security issues.
In response, Baek stated that the government has established and announced measures to enhance information security capabilities. He mentioned that the ministry is pursuing security-focused models to address AI-related threats, such as the Mitose incident, and is working to respond through the Frontier AI project.
He added that the ministry will not neglect efforts to secure its own capabilities in anticipation of increased cyber threats due to AI advancements. Furthermore, he reiterated the commitment to continue promoting a zero-trust model to ensure a secure and trustworthy environment for the public.
During the audit, Baek responded to a question from Rep. Seo Cheon-ho of the ruling People Power Party, who noted that incidents of data breaches had risen by 45% and security incidents by 26% compared to 2023. Baek acknowledged that while the budget for AI-based breach response systems had increased, overall related funding had decreased.
Baek also emphasized the ministry's commitment to developing standard response manuals for managing ongoing breach incidents, stating that the ministry would work closely with relevant companies and across government agencies to disseminate these guidelines.
He outlined the ministry's response strategy under the revised Telecommunications Business Act, which took effect on October 1. The new law allows for immediate on-site investigations when hacking is suspected, without requiring separate reports from companies. Additionally, companies that repeatedly cause cyber incidents due to intentional or gross negligence will face fines of 3% of their related revenue.
Baek noted that while the effectiveness of the revised law has yet to be fully realized, he is optimistic about its impact and pledged to strengthen punitive and economic sanctions.
After the questioning, Song Gi-hun, the committee chair, remarked that it may be necessary to discuss whether the Ministry of Science and ICT's response to hacking incidents in the financial sector has been adequate, given that a 24-hour emergency response system is in place.
Rep. Choi Hyung-doo of the People Power Party also raised concerns about the government's response to data breaches, pointing out the steady increase in incidents across telecommunications, finance, and security sectors. He questioned whether a comprehensive government response plan is effectively in place and expressed doubts about the government's vigilance regarding security issues.
In response, Baek stated that the government has established and announced measures to enhance information security capabilities. He mentioned that the ministry is pursuing security-focused models to address AI-related threats, such as the Mitose incident, and is working to respond through the Frontier AI project.
He added that the ministry will not neglect efforts to secure its own capabilities in anticipation of increased cyber threats due to AI advancements. Furthermore, he reiterated the commitment to continue promoting a zero-trust model to ensure a secure and trustworthy environment for the public.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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