AI-Driven Cyberattacks Target Seoul Megachurches and Expose Member Data
Yoido Full Gospel Church and SaRang Church are investigating AI-automated cyberattacks that may have compromised the personal data of hundreds of thousands of congregants.
Two megachurches in Seoul are investigating suspected cyberattacks that may have exposed the personal data of hundreds of thousands of congregants. Yoido Full Gospel Church reported that initial analysis indicates the data of 850,000 members may have been compromised, including names, dates of birth, addresses, telephone numbers, and national identification numbers.
Cybersecurity firm Oasis Security discovered data and attack records on an overseas server, identifying a flaw in the membership system that potentially exposed up to 89,580 user accounts at SaRang Church. Oasis Security noted that the intrusions showed signs of AI automation, specifically citing references to sub-agents. In response, SaRang Church established an emergency task force and reported the incident to authorities.
These breaches follow a pattern of AI-linked hacking attacks against South Korean commercial banks. President Lee Jae Myung stated that AI was believed to have been used in these recent cyberattacks, highlighting a growing trend of automated threats against national infrastructure and institutions.
