SK Chief apologizes for SK Telecom data leak

The chairman of the SK group, Chey Tae-Won, apologized on Wednesday for a hacking incident in SK Telecom, which led to a massive data leak and promised to strengthen cyber security through the connected companies of the conglomerate.

Chey's apology took place 19 days after the country's largest mobile airlines with 25 million subscribers – almost half of the Korea's population – announced that on April 18 a cyber attack and subsequent data injury to customers had suffered from customers.

The data injury caused by a malware attack in an important internal system called Home -subscription server led to a leak of around 9.7 gigabytes. From now on, the exact cause and the identity of the attacker were not officially confirmed.

“I sincerely apologize on behalf of the SK group for causing our users and the public to cause and incorporate due to a cyber attack in SK Telecom,” said Chey at a press conference at SK Telecom in Skom.

Chey confirmed the difficulties that customers have confronted, including long Waites in retail transactions, to maintain new USIM cards, and regret the inadequate communication and reaction of the company after the incident.

“We will fully work with the state investigation to determine the cause of the violation and prevent further damage to customers,” said Chey. “We will be separated from the entire cyber security system of all SK partners and the investment in security systems.”

He also announced that the company will set up a new Innovation Committee for Information Protection, which includes external experts. The SK Group plans to found the new committee as part of the Supex Council, the top decision-making committee of the conglomerate.

“It is crucial that we properly set up a security system and that the problem not only affects a security problem, but as one of national security and life,” he said.

At the press conference, Chey revealed that he did not replace his own USIM card, but was subscribed to for the company's USIM Protection Service.

The company claims that the USIM protection service effectively blocks the use of illegal clonder USIM cards on other devices and offers the same level of protection as the physical replacement of the USM.

From Wednesday, all 24.11 million entitled customers have joined the USIM Protection Service according to the company. Around 1 million users do not agree because the service is currently incompatible with international roaming plans. The company stated to improve its system so that users can use both services by May 14th.

In the meantime, around 1.07 million users have changed their USM cards so far. The company offered all users free USIM chip replacement on April 28, but the SWAP process was hindered by overwhelming demand and an offer crisis.

The company said it is planning to secure around 5 million additional USIM cards this month and another 5 million in June to speed up the replacement process.

After the hacking incident, SK Telecom experienced a user exodus to its main competitors KT and LG Uplus.

In the midst of growing calls, the fees for early termination for users said, Chey said that the problem was still checked. “I also hope that this problem will be solved in a way that does not cause inconvenience to customers,” said Chey. “Causes regarding the fairness of users and legal matters must also be checked. The SK Telecom board of directors is currently discussing the matter.”

sahn@heraldcorp.com