South Korean Government Agency Breach: Critical Access Sold for $500

Access to a South Korean government agency is being sold for just $500! Find out more about the threat actor behind this alarming sale and the potential impacts. #CyberSecurity #DataBreach

South Korean Government Agency Breach: Critical Access Sold for $500
South Korean Government Agency Breach: Critical Access Sold for $500

A recent post on a notorious cybercrime forum has highlighted yet another alarming breach, this time involving a critical South Korean government agency. The access, which is being sold for a mere $500, was advertised by a well-known cybercriminal entity known as IntelBroker. This breach is a significant concern, as it potentially exposes sensitive government data and critical infrastructure information.

Company Overview

The target of this breach is a South Korean government agency, although the specific agency's name has not been disclosed. South Korea, known for its advanced digital infrastructure and robust cybersecurity measures, has been increasingly targeted by cybercriminals and nation-state actors. The nation has a rich technological landscape, making its governmental data a lucrative target for hackers.

Breach Details

On July 11, 2024, IntelBroker, a prominent figure in the cybercriminal community, posted an offer on BreachForums to sell access to a South Korean government agency. The access includes administrative rights to a portal, on-site terminal access, and disaster records, raising severe concerns about the potential misuse of this information.

The post specified that payment was to be made in Monero (XMR), a cryptocurrency known for its privacy features, further complicating law enforcement efforts to trace transactions. The relatively low price of $500 for such critical access suggests either a high volume of similar breaches being sold or a quick cash grab before detection.

Threat Actor Profile: IntelBroker

IntelBroker is a notorious entity in the cybercrime world, often associated with high-profile breaches and sales of government and corporate data. They are known for their operations on dark web forums where they sell access to compromised systems and sensitive information.

IntelBroker has been linked to several breaches in the past, including:

  • 2023 Breach of an Indian Government Agency: IntelBroker sold access to a similar portal, which resulted in the exposure of personal data of millions of citizens.
  • 2022 U.S. Infrastructure Access Sale: A breach where they claimed to sell access to a U.S. municipal water treatment facility's control systems.

This pattern indicates that IntelBroker specifically targets governmental and infrastructural entities, likely capitalizing on the high demand for such access in underground markets.

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