The Korean government announced a major cybersecurity reform on Wednesday to counter growing cyber threats and data breaches across key industries. The cybersecurity reform aims to strengthen national defenses while tightening accountability within the private sector.
Led by the National Security Office, the initiative brings together several ministries, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, to enhance protection of vital information systems. Officials said the cybersecurity reform will help Korea build a resilient digital infrastructure and reinforce its position as a global AI powerhouse.
Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said during a briefing that the government will ensure the new measures deliver results. He emphasized that authorities will closely track progress and maintain full commitment to improving the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
The plan introduces large-scale inspections of more than 1,600 core IT systems across government, finance, telecommunications, and public infrastructure. Authorities will require companies to create detailed user protection guidelines. Meanwhile, the National Intelligence Service will share advanced investigative and forensic tools with private organizations.
Moreover, an AI-based forensic system will accelerate data breach investigations, reducing analysis time from two weeks to just five days. Telecom operators will also undergo surprise simulated hacking tests to assess their readiness.
The government is considering a compensation fund financed by penalties from data breach cases. This fund would directly support affected consumers and improve personal data protection standards.
However, industry groups expressed concern that the new measures may shift excessive responsibility onto companies. They warned that increased penalties and strict compliance rules could burden firms with heavy costs and legal risks.
Under the proposed legal framework, the government can initiate investigations without waiting for company reports. It may also impose punitive surcharges on firms that repeatedly fail to prevent cyberattacks or delay disclosures.
The cybersecurity reform also introduces stricter accountability for corporate leaders. CEOs could face legal consequences for security failures, while chief information security officers will gain greater authority over budgets and direct reporting rights to boards.
Business leaders cautioned that such heavy-handed measures could stifle digital innovation. They argued that cyberattacks often stem from global actors, making complete prevention unrealistic even for large corporations.
Industry experts urged the government to build a centralized national cybersecurity control tower. They believe coordinated defense systems, rather than company-by-company penalties, offer a more sustainable approach to managing cyber risks.
Despite the criticism, officials defended the cybersecurity reform as essential to rebuilding public trust after repeated data leaks in major sectors. They stressed that the initiative marks a turning point in Korea’s digital governance and reflects the government’s determination to protect both citizens and industries from future cyber threats.
