AI hacking fears spread to brokerages, insurers, card issuers

Brokerages, insurers and credit card issuers are stepping up security measures and checking for potential breaches after suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted cyberattacks stole personal data from banks, savings banks and a capital finance company, according to industry officials, Tuesday. Breaches have been reported at seven firms since the beginning of this month — Shinhan Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, Hana Bank, BNK Busan Bank, Yegaram Savings Bank, Welcome Savings Bank and Hyundai Capital. The incidents suggest the attacks, first reported in the banking sector, are having a broader impact. Attempted intrusions detected across several parts of the financial sector have led regulators and industry officials to suspect that the attackers were scanning a broad range of companies for weaknesses rather than pursuing a single target. Further cases may come to light, they warned, noting that smaller firms have relatively limited security staffing and that the attacks were timed during October’s extended holiday period. At some brokerages, staff responsible for security reportedly work