South Korean authorities are investigating cyberattacks on three of the country’s biggest banks – Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank. The New York Times says the breach at Shinhan Bank leaked credit information for roughly 25,000 customers. Smaller leaks were reported at Kookmin Bank (99 customers and 20 employees) and Hana Bank (89 customers). President Lee Jae Myung said officials see signs that the attackers used AI models, which could let people hack without deep technical skills.
What officials say about AI in the attacks
During a livestreamed cabinet meeting, President Lee said the use of AI “causes considerable public concern and anxiety.” He ordered the cabinet to verify how AI was used and to limit the damage. The National Office of Investigation is handling all three cases.
Why it matters
If AI tools make hacking easier, more people could launch attacks on banks and other services, putting personal data at risk. For South Korean bank customers, this could mean an increase in fraud attempts and the need to monitor credit reports more closely. It remains unclear how exactly the AI was used, so the extent of future threats is still uncertain.
