Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
In a notable crackdown, South Korean officials raided the Seoul headquarters of Coupang, following a significant data breach that reportedly impacted 33.7 million users—almost two-thirds of the nation's population. The raid conducted on Tuesday represents a major escalation in the government's efforts to address one of the most severe cybersecurity incidents in South Korea this year.
Coupang is the leading online shopping platform in South Korea, recognized for its prompt deliveries across various product categories including groceries and electronics. Earlier this year, the company acknowledged that confidential details of 33.7 million customers had been compromised. The leaked data encompassed names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping addresses, and select order histories, although the company asserted that payment details and login information remained secure.
Seoul police referred to the raid as a "necessary measure" for investigating the breach. A team of seventeen officers from the cyber investigation unit was deployed to Coupang's headquarters to gather evidence and ensure a comprehensive inquiry. Authorities are committed to tracking down those responsible and holding them accountable.
The breach occurred through Coupang's overseas servers between June 24 and November 8, with its discovery coming last month when the company reported its findings against an alleged perpetrator—a former employee of Chinese nationality, who is still evading capture.
President Lee Jae Myung has urged quick action to penalize those liable for the extensive breach. The presidential office is demanding that Coupang develop transparent compensation strategies for affected users. Chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik stated that the company must offer a clear plan to take responsibility for any ensuing damages.
This incident has attracted global scrutiny as Coupang now faces a class-action lawsuit in the United States, where its global headquarters are established. The case raises serious alarms over cybersecurity in one of the digitally advanced nations, which has experienced several high-profile attacks in the past.
This breach follows a significant cyberattack on SK Telecom, South Korea's leading mobile operator, which faced a fine of 134 billion won (approximately USD 91 million) in August after hackers leaked personal data belonging to nearly 27 million users. The country has also been under threat from North Korean cyber groups, linked to the theft of sensitive financial information from the national judicial system over two years, as well as a recent incident involving the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, which faced unauthorized withdrawals of 44.5 billion won in digital currency.
As the investigation unfolds, South Korean authorities are stressing the importance of robust security measures for companies managing extensive personal information and emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of cybersecurity breaches. The Coupang incident is poised to influence stricter enforcement of cybersecurity regulations in the nation.
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