The SK Telecom data breach has triggered an expanded cybersecurity probe into South Korea’s major mobile networks, officials confirmed Monday. A joint government-private investigation team extended its inquiry to servers at KT Corp. and LG Uplus. Initially, the team asked telecom and platform companies to conduct internal cybersecurity checks. However, rising concerns over malware attacks pushed investigators to take more direct action. The SK Telecom data breach continues to raise alarm over nationwide telecom security.
Last week, authorities found 25 malware variants infecting 23 servers owned by SK Telecom. Among them, 24 were identified as BPFDoor variants—malware typically used for covert remote access. Investigators also discovered one WebCell variant, adding to the list of threats. Two infected servers had stored sensitive personal data, including names, phone numbers, emails, and device identifiers. The SK Telecom data breach now highlights serious risks to both user privacy and national infrastructure.
Investigators feared hackers might have used similar techniques to target KT and LG Uplus servers. For this reason, the team revised its approach and expanded the probe to include the two rival carriers. Despite thorough checks, officials said they found no evidence of breaches at KT or LG Uplus. Still, the SK Telecom data breach has put the entire telecom industry on high alert.
The IMEI data stored on compromised servers poses particular concern, as cybercriminals could exploit it in financial fraud. IMEI numbers are unique identifiers that link mobile devices to user accounts and carrier networks. Stolen IMEI data could enable unauthorized access to devices or cloned phone activity. The data breach shows how hackers increasingly target layered networks to access critical personal and financial details. Experts warn that stronger safeguards are urgently needed across the telecom sector.
SK Telecom first discovered the breach on April 18 and reported it to authorities shortly after. Since then, the case has drawn national attention and sparked questions about existing cybersecurity protocols. Government agencies now face mounting pressure to standardize defenses across all telecom carriers. With the SK Telecom data breach serving as a wake-up call, companies must act quickly to secure their infrastructure. As investigations continue, public trust hinges on real change and tighter digital oversight.
