SK Telecom, South Korea’s biggest mobile network provider, has been hit by a cyberattack that leaked sensitive customer data. The breach happened on April 19 and was confirmed by the company in a statement on its website.
The company discovered that hackers installed malware on its systems. That malware gave them access to customer information. SK Telecom, which serves tens of millions of users, acted quickly. It deleted the malware, cut off affected servers, and launched an internal investigation.
The Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA) was also alerted. They are now helping SK Telecom investigate the full impact.
To protect customers, the company is offering a free SIM protection service. This move suggests the stolen data might be used in SIM swap scams. These scams can give attackers control of a person’s phone number. Once that happens, they can break into bank accounts or reset passwords on other platforms.
SK Telecom hasn’t said if the attack involved ransomware. No cybercriminal group has taken responsibility yet. But experts warn that telecom networks often attract state-backed hackers. These attackers may not want money. Instead, they aim to gather intelligence or spy on users.
China has been linked to past telecom hacks around the world. Though no link has been made in this case, such threats remain a serious concern.
This breach is another reminder that telecom companies face growing digital risks. People rely on mobile networks for almost everything—banking, health, security, and more. That makes these systems high-value targets.
SK Telecom has urged users to stay alert. Customers should check their accounts for any strange activity. They should also turn on two-factor authentication and consider using SIM lock features.
Right now, the company is working to understand the full damage. It’s also taking steps to prevent future attacks.
This cyberattack isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a wake-up call for both telecom companies and their customers. Stronger cybersecurity must become a top priority in today’s connected world.
