Data Breach in South Korea Affects 27 Million People
In South Korea, details have been released about a major security breach that affects 27 million people aged 15-65. The data collected comes from online registrations, movie ticketing, ringtone online stores and gaming websites. Media in South Korea are reporting that 16 people have been arrested in relation to the data breach, which has so far affected 70 percent of the population.
The data stolen includes names, passwords and resident registration numbers. A 24-year-old man, only known by the surname Kim, has been arrested for reportedly circulating 220 million records. Kim gained access to the information through a Chinese hacker he met online three years ago.
Kim also allegedly made close to $400,000 USD by selling and using the stolen data. As of now, local authorities are searching for seven more people suspected of being involved in the security breach, including the Chinese hacker who corresponded with Kim. Additionally, authorities are trying to figure out how the stolen records are being circulated.
Although this is a massive security breach, this isn’t the first time South Korea has experienced online security issues. Back in 2011 nearly 35 million had their personal information exposed when hackers broke into the online social networking site Cyworld and search engine Nate.
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