Police Launch Investigation into Simultaneous Bank Hacking Incidents

Police have initiated a preliminary investigation into a series of simultaneous hacking attacks targeting major banks in South Korea.

According to Yonhap News on October 2, the Cyber Terror Response Team of the National Police Agency has begun its inquiry into information leaks confirmed at Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, Hana Bank, and BNK Busan Bank.

The police view the situation as serious due to the occurrence of similar attacks across the banking sector and plan to establish a swift investigative posture.

If the investigation transitions to a formal inquiry, this incident could mark the first major cyber case handled by the police following the restructuring of the criminal justice system.

Cyber crimes, including hacking, fall under the jurisdiction of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency; however, it has been reported that immediate investigations are challenging due to the agency's official launch occurring on the same day.

Previously, approximately 25,000 customer records were leaked from Shinhan Bank, and similar information leaks have been confirmed at KB Kookmin Bank and Hana Bank. Additionally, Woori Bank, NH Nonghyup Bank, and BNK Busan Bank have also been identified as victims of similar hacking attacks.