[ISN] Classified Info on Dangerous Chemicals Hacked

[InfoSec News <alerts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/113_53708.html

The Korea Times
10-17-2009

Hackers stole classified information on dangerous chemicals in their 
raid on the South Korean army computer network in what was believed to 
be an attack by North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported Saturday, 
quoting government officials.

The Chemicals Accident Response Information System, used by 589 South 
Korean government agencies including fire and police stations, was 
accessed by hackers on March 5. Hackers appear to have broken into the 
system using the ID of a South Korean army officer whose personal 
computer was infected by a virus, according to officials.

"We believe the hacker tapped into the system using the ID, withdrawing 
classified information of 1,350 dangerous chemicals," an army official 
was quoted as saying by Yonhap. "The government believes North Korea 
could be behind the hacking. We are continuing our investigation."

The revelation comes less than three months after cyber attacks severely 
slowed or disrupted dozens of South Korean government and business Web 
sites, including those of the presidential office and ministries of 
defense and foreign affairs. Rumors were rampant then that North Korean 
hackers orchestrated the attacks, although they have yet to be 
substantiated.

"We are trying to find out exactly how much information has been 
withdrawn," another unnamed official at Seoul's Environment Ministry was 
quoted as saying, adding the government has asked organizations dealing 
with the chemicals to tighten security.

Unnamed intelligence sources in Seoul said in May that North Korea 
operates a cyber warfare unit that seeks to disrupt South Korean and 
U.S. military networks and visits U.S. military sites more frequently 
than any other country.

South Korea and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding on April 
30 to bolster cooperation in fighting cyber terrorism against their 
defense networks.


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