SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung instructed the government Tuesday to dedicate personnel and resources to minimizing damage from a recent series of hacking attacks at financial firms.
Lee gave the order at a Cabinet meeting in response to revelations that the attacks exposed customer information at seven companies, including Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank.
"In some hacking cases, details have emerged of the possible use of artificial intelligence (AI), causing the people to feel great concern and anxiety," he said. "Please carry out a swift and clear determination of the circumstances and concentrate personnel and resources on minimizing damage."
Police said the same day that an investigation has been launched into the cyber attacks, with a 28-member team looking into charges of violations of the information and communications network law.
Lee called for high vigilance not only within the government and business sectors but across society, saying AI-driven hacking methods are increasing the scope of damage to previously unseen levels.
"It is difficult to respond to evolving cyber threats by handling accidents after they happen," he said. "We must have the security capabilities to detect and block attacks in advance."
President Lee Jae Myung (2nd from R) speaks at a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Oct. 6, 2026. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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