South Korea’s Lee calls for powerful government-wide cybersecurity body - The Straits Times
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on November 3 for a powerful government-wide cybersecurity body to coordinate functions scattered across agencies, citing limitations in protecting critical systems.
President Lee made the announcement during a cabinet meeting, emphasizing that the existing security system focused on inspections and after-the-fact responses is showing clear limitations. He specifically referenced the multibillion-dollar theft affecting Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, though he did not directly name North Korea, which the FBI has blamed for the attack.
Proposed Cybersecurity Body
Lee called for a comprehensive preventive system to protect public services and critical infrastructure. He suggested forming a powerful and effective cybersecurity 'tsar' body that can oversee and coordinate security functions currently scattered across different agencies.
The existing security system, which centres on inspections and after-the-fact responses, is showing clear limitations.
Current Security Measures
The National Intelligence Service had launched emergency security inspections covering more than 2,100 central government ministries, local governments and public institutions, according to Yonhap News Agency. North Korea denied involvement in the attacks on November 3.
South Korea has faced repeated cyber intrusions, with its financial sector hit by attacks in recent weeks. North Korean hackers have been blamed for numerous previous attacks on cryptocurrency companies, banks and government systems.
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