South Korea’s Financial Sector Faces New Wave of Cyberattacks

Recent Breaches Hit Major Brokerage and Crypto Platform

Two leading South Korean financial firms—Daishin Securities, a brokerage, and Bithumb, a cryptocurrency exchange—reported separate cyber incidents on Wednesday, joining Mirae Asset Global Investments, which also disclosed a breach earlier in the week. Daishin said the attack exposed personal data of 38,490 customers, including names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers. The company has alerted affected clients, pledged to cooperate with investigators and promised compensation for any losses as required by law. Mirae and Bithumb have not confirmed whether customer data was stolen.

Earlier Attack Linked to AI Tool, Suspected Chinese Origin

The latest wave follows a September campaign that targeted several South Korean financial institutions. Security researchers traced that earlier breach to a suspected hacker operating from China who used an AI‑driven penetration testing tool called Artex. Authorities are still working to determine the root cause of the newest incidents.

Regulatory Push for Tougher Cybersecurity Measures

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission, responding to the series of attacks on banks, brokerages and government agencies, urged firms to adopt stronger cybersecurity safeguards. The regulator also announced plans to audit dozens of private‑sector IT systems to assess their resilience.

Regional Trend Highlights Growing Threats

Japan reported its own cyber incident on Thursday involving GMO Internet, adding to a broader pattern of attacks across Asia. Analysts note that the region’s long‑standing weaknesses in cyber defenses have made it vulnerable to sophisticated hacking, though investigators have not yet linked the South Korean and Japanese breaches.

Companies Decline Immediate Comment

The Financial Services Commission, Daishin Securities, Bithumb and Mirae Asset Global Investments did not provide immediate responses to requests for comment.