LGU+ "Partner Company Contacted Hacker to Identify Leak Source"

Small Payment for Access Information... "Meaningless Content"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] LG Uplus, which is under investigation for a personal information leak incident, has been found to have indirectly contacted hackers or personal information sellers through partner companies to identify the leak route.

On the 14th, LG Uplus announced that on the 4th of last month, it contacted hackers or sellers through a security partner company to obtain access information.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

LG Uplus recognized the personal information leak on the 2nd of last month and reported the incident to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and other authorities on the 3rd.

The security partner company paid a small amount to the hackers or personal information sellers to obtain access information. However, LG Uplus stated that only meaningless information was received.

LG Uplus explained, "Generally, after confirming the leak of customer information, we report it to relevant authorities and contact the sellers to obtain access information to verify how the information was leaked externally. Access information is crucial in identifying the route of the personal information leak, and from a corporate standpoint, understanding this information is a top priority to protect customers and prevent further damage."

LG Uplus has identified a total of 290,000 victims of the personal information leak so far. Due to duplicate leaks, the number of affected cases is estimated to be 590,000.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, the supervising authority, has officially warned LG Uplus and is conducting a special investigation with KISA. The investigation results will be announced in March or April, and LG Uplus will be required to take corrective measures.