Credits: CNA
The South Korean military is investigating a significant data leak involving sensitive information about its intelligence agents operating in North Korea. The breach was reported by the Korea Defence Intelligence Command, a secretive branch of the military, about a month ago, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The leaked information includes personal data of agents stationed overseas, raising concerns that it may have reached North Korea. Military authorities are currently investigating the situation and have promised to handle the case “sternly in accordance with laws and regulations,” according to a statement from the defense ministry.
The leaked data reportedly covers details about South Korean agents posing as diplomats and undercover operatives, with some agents returning home to avoid exposure. Authorities are scrutinizing a civilian official at the military intelligence command, who allegedly stored classified information on a personal laptop. This official is suspected of leaking the data but claims the device was hacked.
Officials are exploring whether the laptop was intentionally left vulnerable to hacking by North Koreans. This incident follows a joint warning issued by the United States, Britain, and South Korea about North Korean hackers conducting a global cyber espionage campaign to steal military secrets and advance their nuclear weapons program.
In recent months, North Korean hackers have been implicated in multiple cyberattacks. In May, they stole sensitive data, including financial records, from a South Korean court computer network. Earlier this year, Seoul’s spy agency revealed that North Korean spies were using LinkedIn to pose as recruiters and gather information from South Koreans working in defense companies.
The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full scope of the breach and its potential impact on national security.