Sogang University data breach leaks 180,000 personal records

Sogang University in Seoul has confirmed a major data breach involving the personal information of approximately 180,000 individuals. The leak, caused by an unidentified external hacking attack on the university’s integrated login accounts, affects current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The compromised data includes names, student or employee ID numbers, affiliations, email addresses, mobile phone numbers, and encrypted passwords. Notably, the information of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, an alumna of the university, is believed to be among the leaked data.

The university detected the attack on August 14, following an unauthorized access attempt via an overseas IP address on August 11. In response, Sogang University has blocked the attacking IP, restricted access to affected services, and implemented network separation measures. The institution has reported the incident to the Personal Information Protection Commission and the Ministry of Education.

University officials are currently working with external cybersecurity firms to investigate server vulnerabilities and strengthen monitoring systems. They have urged all members of the university community to change their passwords immediately and remain vigilant against potential phishing or smishing attempts.