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Korea Post headquarters in Seoul. (Photo = Korea Post) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, Sept. 28 – Korea Post has emerged as the most frequent target of cyberattacks among agencies under the Ministry of Science and ICT, highlighting growing calls for stronger security measures and expanded liability insurance coverage in the event of data breaches.
According to data submitted by the ministry to Rep. Kim Jang-kyeom of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, Korea Post and its affiliated organizations recorded 52,656 detected cyber intrusion attempts between 2020 and the end of August 2025.
This figure accounts for 93.9% of all 56,076 attempted breaches reported across the ministry and its 64 affiliated agencies. By comparison, the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), a professional cybersecurity body, reported just 391 attempts over the same period.
Korea Post itself reported the highest number of incidents at 34,757, followed by the Postal Facilities Management Corporation (8,078), Postal Logistics Support Agency (5,408), Postal Savings & Insurance Development Institute (1,454), and Korea Post Business Promotion Agency (2,959). Most attacks were classified as data destruction or exfiltration attempts (over 42,000), with more than 10,000 additional intrusion attempts recorded.
Although these figures reflect attempted intrusions rather than confirmed breaches, lawmakers warn that the overwhelming concentration of attacks indicates heightened risk of future incidents. Experts point to Korea Post’s extensive handling of sensitive personal, financial, and logistics data as a key reason for its exposure compared to policy or research-oriented institutions.
In light of these risks, Rep. Kim stressed the need for Korea Post affiliates to expand their participation in personal information liability insurance programs. Such insurance ensures compensation for consumers in the event of personal data leaks. While Korea Post is already a mandatory participant under current regulations, only the Korea Post Business Promotion Agency among its four affiliates has voluntarily secured coverage.
Other government-affiliated bodies, such as the Korea Data Agency and Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, have opted into the insurance program despite not being required by law, underscoring growing awareness of data protection responsibilities across the public sector.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
