Widespread Hacking Attacks on Banks Lead to Customer Data Breaches

Following a data breach affecting over 25,000 customers at Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and Hana Bank have also reported incidents of customer data leaks. Woori Bank and NH Nonghyup Bank have confirmed they faced similar hacking attempts, prompting financial authorities to initiate urgent security checks across the banking sector.

On October 2, financial sources reported that Hana Bank identified unauthorized access by external hackers to its Operational Support System (ODS), resulting in the leak of personal information for 89 customers. The bank activated its emergency response system and reported the incident to the Financial Supervisory Service immediately after detecting the hacking attempt the previous day.

KB Kookmin Bank also confirmed that external breaches led to the exposure of personal information for 119 customers. The bank has launched a comprehensive emergency response to prevent further damage and to review its processes.

On the same day, Woori Bank and NH Nonghyup Bank experienced similar hacking attacks, but no data breaches have been reported so far. BNK Busan Bank reported that personal information of 11 outsourced developers was compromised due to a hacking attack. A BNK Busan Bank official stated, "We are continuing to monitor for any additional unusual signs."

The day before, it was confirmed that Shinhan Bank experienced a new type of hacking utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) agents, resulting in the leak of information for approximately 25,000 customers.

In response, financial authorities have taken urgent action. The Financial Services Commission held an 'Emergency Response Meeting' with the Financial Supervisory Service, the Financial Security Institute, major banks, credit card companies, the Korea Federation of Banks, and the Korea Credit Finance Association.

Shin Jin-chang, Secretary General of the Financial Services Commission, stated, "We must be fully prepared to minimize consumer harm through swift responses following the incident, and we will thoroughly analyze the causes and methods of the breach to quickly establish necessary regulatory improvements."