Seoul: Cybersecurity breaches reported to authorities surged by 26 percent in 2025, according to a government report released on Tuesday, driven by hackers increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their attack strategies. The total number of reported incidents climbed to 2,383, up from 1,887 in the previous year, as noted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and reported by Yonhap news agency.
Among the breaches recorded, server intrusions constituted 44.2 percent, while distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks made up 24.7 percent. Additionally, breaches involving malicious code, including ransomware, accounted for 14.9 percent of the total. The report highlighted a notable increase in cyberattacks targeting platforms intimately connected to daily life, such as mobile networks and financial services.
The ministry indicated that hackers have diversified their targets, moving beyond traditional sectors like research, manufacturing, and energy to include education and healthcare. “Hacking tactics are becoming more advanced through AI-based automation and coordinated attacks,” the ministry stated in its report, emphasizing the evolving nature of cyber threats.
Looking forward, the ministry warned that in 2026, hackers may attempt to infiltrate “trust-based communication methods,” potentially employing deepfake technology to manipulate real-time voice calls during virtual meetings. Furthermore, existing AI models themselves could become direct targets, as attackers may inject harmful data into chatbots and security platforms, leading to system malfunctions or information leaks.
As the threat landscape grows, the government is responding by implementing AI-based prevention and response programs aimed at addressing security vulnerabilities. “The government will operate AI-based prevention and response programs and take preemptive actions to address security blind spots to create a reliable cyber environment,” the ministry added.
In a related incident, South Korean cybersecurity authorities estimated that approximately 9.6 million accounts may have been compromised in a recent cyberattack on Kyowon Group, a local education service provider. This estimate follows Kyowon Group’s report of a potential breach, wherein it detected signs of a ransomware attack earlier this month. The investigation, which includes the Korea Internet and Security Agency, underscores the escalating risks associated with cyber threats.
As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, the implications for both businesses and consumers are significant. The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance across all sectors, particularly as hackers adapt their methods in response to technological advancements.
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