South Korea orders SK Telecom to boost data security after major leak
The directive comes after the country's largest mobile carrier disclosed in April that it had suffered a major data breach caused by a malware attack.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will impose a fine of up to 30 million won (US$21,970), and required SK Telecom to strengthen its security protocols. These include conducting security audits at least quarterly, placing data governance under the direct oversight of the CEO, and increasing investment and staffing in data security.
"This incident serves as a wake-up call for information protection not only in the domestic telecommunications industry but also across the entire network infrastructure," said Science Minister Yoo Sang-im in a statement, following a government investigation.
SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won apologised last month for the breach, and SK Telecom said it would take full responsibility for any harm caused. The breach has sparked alarm among its 23 million users over the possible theft of personal and financial data.
In response, the carrier said it would provide free Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) replacements to all affected users at more than 2,600 retail outlets nationwide.
As of late June, around 9.39 million users had replaced their USIM cards, according to SK Telecom.
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