Hackers accused of stealing data from 9M Korean mobile users
Two hackers have been arrested for allegedly stealing and selling customer data from Korean mobile carrier KT.
Hackers who allegedly stole information from almost 9 million telecom customers in Korea are now in police custody.
One suspect, identified by the name Choi, and another as yet unnamed suspect have been accused of selling the data to telemarketers, the National Police Agency's cyberterror response team told the Korea Times.
The two suspects reportedly took in around $877,000 by selling the contact information and plan details of 8.7 million KT subscribers, almost half of the carrier's total customers.
Seven other people accused of buying the data were arrested but not detained.
The hacking started in February, but KT didn't contact authorities until July 13 when it found clues that subscriber data has been leaked.
The carrier confirmed that the data stolen included customer names, registration numbers, and phone numbers. KT has since apologized to customers for the theft and has promised to tighten security.
"In light of this incident, we will strengthen the internal security system and raise awareness of security among all employees to prevent causing inconvenience to customers," KT said in a statement.