KCC: "Strict Response to Malicious Spam Impersonating 'Novel Coronavirus' Information"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has decided to take strict measures in collaboration with related organizations against spam messages that exploit public anxiety caused by the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) by impersonating information guides.

The KCC announced on the 30th that when reports of advertising spam messages impersonating novel coronavirus information are received, they will immediately request blocking from the Korea Internet & Security Agency and mobile carriers, and impose fines of up to 30 million KRW on businesses violating prior consent and labeling obligations. They also plan to cooperate with the Cyber Investigation Division of the National Police Agency to request investigations under relevant laws.

According to an analysis of spam report data by the Korea Internet & Security Agency as of 9 a.m. that day, there were about 260 reports of spam impersonating novel coronavirus-related information and notices to redirect users to other sites. The URLs included in these spam messages were confirmed to link to promotional sites such as asset management. Additionally, there were about 9,770 reports of financial spam recommending stocks themed around masks, quarantine, and other novel coronavirus-related topics.

The KCC also stated that if 'stock spam' recommending novel coronavirus-themed stocks is detected, it will be blocked and penalized according to spam laws, and plans to collaborate with the Korea Exchange to utilize spam data for stock market monitoring and designation of investment caution stocks.

A KCC official said, "There is a possibility of secondary damage such as malware infection through spam exploiting disaster situations," and added, "Users are strongly advised not to click on URLs with unclear sources in messages and to exercise special caution."