( October 27, 2026, 08:41 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: South Korean police have apprehended seven suspects accused of using generative artificial intelligence to hack into about 90 companies and steal more than 8.2 million personal-information records, in what authorities described as the country’s first arrests linked to large-scale AI-assisted hacking. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said the suspects allegedly threatened to leak stolen data unless the companies paid them, demanding a combined 360 million won ($272,000) from 38 businesses, including hospitals, educational institutions and subsidiaries of major conglomerates. Police said the suspected ringleader, who taught himself hacking techniques, used generative AI and automated penetration-testing tools to expand the attacks, underscoring how AI is lowering barriers to cybercrime. The ringleader was referred to prosecutors on Oct. 23, while investigations into six accomplices and additional victims continue.Statement is attached (in Korean). ...
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