Hacking attempts targeting South Korea’s health authorities surge more than 1,200-fold in four years

Hacking attempts targeting South Korea’s health authorities have surged, with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recording 17,742 attempts through July this year.

That figure represents an increase of more than 1,200 times compared with 2022, according to the report. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and other health agencies have also faced a sharp rise in attempts.

No case has so far been confirmed in which the attempts led to actual damage. The agencies handle sensitive healthcare data, including citizens’ clinical information and health insurance records.