South Korea investigates possible AI use in bank cyberattacks
President Lee Jae Myung says signs of AI use have emerged, while investigators have yet to name tools or establish the full breach scope.
A presidential warning, not a technical finding
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said at an October 6 cabinet meeting that signs of AI use had emerged in recent cyberattacks against banks. Reuters reported his remarks and his request that officials establish the circumstances quickly, devote resources to limiting damage and develop cybersecurity methods suited to the AI era. The statement raises a specific concern about AI in attacks on financial institutions, but it does not identify a model, agent or method. Authorities had not publicly established what role any AI system played.
Investigation remains open
Reuters said South Korean police had begun a full-scale investigation after attacks reportedly exposed customers’ personal information. The Financial Services Commission said Shinhan Bank and KB Kookmin Bank reported cyberattacks; Reuters also cited Yonhap reporting that Hana Bank and Woori Bank suffered breaches. The commission’s chairman convened an emergency meeting with financial-industry representatives and regulators on October 4. The full scale of the incidents and any connection among the banks remain unclear in the reviewed report. Lee’s language describes indications that investigators still need to test, rather than proof that AI caused or carried out the intrusions.