The Personal Information Protection Commission launched a dedicated unit, the "digital forensics center," to directly collect, analyze, and manage digital evidence from personal data breach incidents. The move follows a string of large-scale hacking-based leaks, increasing the need to strengthen the credibility of investigations and the speed of responses.
The Personal Information Protection Commission said on the 10th that it held a nameplate unveiling ceremony for the digital forensics center at Government Complex Seoul. From January to November this year, there were 396 personal data breach reports, about a 30% increase from last year's 307, and 64% (253 cases) were caused by hacking. With major incidents repeatedly occurring, especially in the telecommunications and retail sectors, the commission assessed that risks are expanding across the entire digital environment.
The center was built over 11 months starting in Jan. with a total investment of 1.6 billion won. The Personal Information Protection Commission said the center's operation establishes a foundation to directly secure digital evidence from personal information processing systems when large-scale breaches occur. Investigation capabilities are also expected to be strengthened by using dedicated equipment to conduct precise analyses of the incident's circumstances and the scale and scope of the leak.
The collected digital evidence will be managed through standardized procedures across the entire process from collection to analysis, storage, and disposal to ensure the reliability of investigation results.
Song Gyeong-hee, Chairperson of the Personal Information Protection Commission, said, "Public concern is high due to a series of major leaks involving SKT and Coupang," and added, "Through the newly established forensics center, we will thoroughly identify the causes of the incidents and the extent of the damage."