Seoul:Police have dismantled a cybercrime ring accused of stealing over 8 million pieces of personal information from numerous businesses through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), officials stated on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, seven suspects allegedly pilfered 8.2 million pieces of personal data and other internal records from more than 90 entities, including hospitals, private academies, and businesses, since September of last year, as reported by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
The group is believed to have used AI tools to hack into 60 targets, attempting to extort money from some of them. Among the entities targeted, 38 suffered financial losses, with the group demanding a total of 360 million won (US$272,000).
Police have indicated that the 32-year-old ringleader was referred to the prosecution on Friday while under physical detention. Meanwhile, the other suspects are subject to further questioning. The leader, a self-taught hacker, acquired hacking skills through employment at a security company, where they were responsible for conducting mock hacking attacks.
Authorities have heightened their vigilance over cybercrimes suspected of using AI tools, which have included a series of high-profile attacks on local financial institutions.