4.4 mil. access attempts from N.Korea IPs to South firms - NHKニュース

Media in South Korea have reported that traces of over 4.4 million attempts to access computer systems of financial institutions in the country from North Korean internet protocol addresses were detected. There have been no reports of data leaks or other damage.

Financial institutions have been targets of unauthorized access since late September, leading to leaks of personal information.

Local media on Wednesday quoted financial authorities as saying a large number of access attempts from North Korean IP addresses were detected on October 21. The reports said the attempts were aimed at identifying system vulnerabilities.

The media quoted an official as saying IP addresses can be manipulated to disguise their country of origin, and that it is difficult to conclude that North Korea was behind the attempted intrusions.

The Office of National Security under the president held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to check measures against cyberattacks. It called for vigilance against fresh attacks.