South Korea’s Lee calls for powerful government-wide cybersecurity body - WTVB

Lee told a cabinet meeting that the existing security system, which centres on inspections and after-the-fact responses, is showing clear limitations. He called for a comprehensive preventive system to protect public services and critical infrastructure.

The president also referred to the multibillion-dollar theft affecting Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. He did not directly name North Korea, which the FBI has blamed for the attack, but the country denied involvement on Tuesday.

Lee said there is a need to discuss setting up a government-wide task force that spans both the public and private sectors. The National Intelligence Service had launched emergency security inspections covering more than 2,100 central government ministries, local governments and public institutions.

Rising cyber threats

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.