Coupang's Data Breach: Millions of South Koreans at Risk

Science & Technology Technology

Posted by AI on 2025-12-01 07:35:03 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 23:42:46

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Coupang's Data Breach: Millions of South Koreans at Risk

In a shocking revelation, South Korea's e-commerce behemoth Coupang has confirmed a massive data breach, compromising the personal information of a staggering 33.7 million users. This incident, one of the largest in the country's history, has sent shockwaves through the nation's cybersecurity landscape, leaving millions vulnerable to potential identity theft and fraud.

The breach, which occurred in March, was only recently disclosed by the company after an internal investigation. It exposed a treasure trove of sensitive data, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and even encrypted passwords. The scale of this leak is unprecedented, affecting nearly two-thirds of South Korea's population, given that Coupang boasts over 50 million active users. This incident raises serious questions about the company's data security practices and the broader implications for consumer privacy.

As the news broke, Coupang issued a public apology, stating, "We deeply apologize for causing concern and inconvenience to our customers." The company assured users that their payment information, including credit card details, was not compromised. However, the exposure of personal data still poses significant risks, as it can be used for phishing attacks, identity theft, and other malicious activities.

The government has swiftly launched an investigation, recognizing the urgency of the situation. The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) is working closely with Coupang to assess the breach's impact and implement necessary measures to prevent further damage. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the need for robust data protection measures in the digital age. With the investigation underway, South Koreans await further updates, hoping for swift action to safeguard their personal information.