The government has recently taken action to prevent secondary damage related to the data breach incident of SK Telecom. To block the illegal distribution of personal information leaked on the dark web and other platforms, an emergency monitoring system has been activated, and plans will be established by the end of this month in collaboration with major telecommunications and platform corporations to strengthen personal information management systems.
On the 2nd, the Personal Information Protection Commission held an 'emergency inspection meeting for large-scale personal information processors' chaired by Director General Yang Cheong-sam. They discussed collaboration measures to prevent secondary damage resulting from the data leak. Representatives from 31 large-scale personal information processing corporations, including Naver, Kakao, KT, LG Uplus, Samsung Electronics, and LG Electronics, attended the meeting; however, SK Telecom, the party involved in the leak, did not attend.
During this meeting, the Personal Information Protection Commission urged each corporation to implement enhanced protective measures, including recommendations for USIM replacement and protection services, introduction of two-factor authentication, strengthening abnormal access detection, and assessment of vulnerabilities in personal information processing systems.
In addition, the Personal Information Protection Commission has established an emergency monitoring system to oversee the leakage and illegal distribution of sensitive information, such as mobile phone numbers, on the dark web and various online platforms in collaboration with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and major Internet Service Providers (ISPs). They also guided central government agencies, local governments, public institutions, and private corporations to enhance regular inspections of personal information processing systems through voluntary regulatory bodies.
Especially during the golden holiday period continuing until the 6th, the government and relevant agencies are operating an emergency contact system to respond quickly to any personal information issues that may arise. On the 9th, a meeting will be held with the Korea Chief Privacy Officer Council to discuss specific measures for improving personal information protection systems and strengthening management frameworks targeted at major public and private organizations.
Director General Yang Cheong-sam noted, 'This SK Telecom incident is a serious issue that undermines the trust base in the artificial intelligence era' and urged that 'each corporation must remain vigilant and thoroughly engage in security measures and monitoring to prevent further damage.'