After a personal data leak occurred in the startup program "Startup for All," the Ministry of SMEs and Startups began reviewing its response system. The ministry said it will regularly review major pending issues, including this incident, and oversee overall program operations.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) issued a statement on the 19th, saying, "We deeply apologize to the public and to project participants for the concern caused by the personal data leak on the 'Startup for All' platform," and added, "We are taking all necessary measures without delay to prevent further damage, manage the fallout, and ensure stable program operations."
Earlier, in the "Startup for All" project, which drew about 63,000 participants, some participants' email addresses, idea summaries, and evaluation comments were leaked. Other personal information such as participants' real names and mobile phone numbers, as well as challenge applications, were not exposed.
After the incident, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) conducted an emergency security check of the entire system and examined whether there were additional leaks and any indications of information use. Working with external expert agencies, including the National Cyber Security Center, it also carried out an investigation and analysis of the breach and a comprehensive security review of the system.
Using this incident as a turning point, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) plans to institutionalize inspection meetings chaired by the first vice minister to manage "Startup for All" systematically. Starting on the 21st, it will review the status of the data leak response, platform operations, major pending issues, and future improvement measures. Related departments at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and related organizations such as the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) will take part to check each organization's measures and progress.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) said, "Once again, we deeply apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused by this matter," and added, "We will do our best to manage the fallout and ensure the stable operation of the 'Startup for All' project."