Concerns are spreading as AI-driven cyberattacks surge and hacking incidents continue in many countries. Warnings are growing that advances in AI’s mathematical abilities could put internet encryption at risk, with some experts leaving open the possibility that AI could break key cryptographic technologies used to protect online bank accounts and databases. In South Korea, repeated hacks at financial firms have heightened alert. Companies are also accelerating moves into AI security products and services.

South Korea\'s Personal Information Protection Commission said on Oct. 29 it inspected personal data handling at customer service centres that process large volumes of customer information. It urged companies to minimise the customer data shown to agents and tighten controls over arbitrary searches. The commission found most basic safeguards were in place but cited weaknesses including insecure remote access, incomplete access logs, and retaining logs for 1 year instead of the legal 2-year period.