AI crimeAn arts major taught himself hacking on YouTube, then stole 8.2 million records with AI — top comment: 'The real boss is the AI'
MBC News clips about a crew of non-specialists who used AI to steal 8.2 million personal records have passed 60,000 views in two days. "AI hacking steals 8.2 million records — the culprit was a non-IT major," posted Oct 26, has 32,000 views; a follow-up posted early Oct 27 has 28,000.
According to MBC, Korean police arrested a ring led by a man in his 30s accused of taking names, resident registration numbers, phone numbers and addresses from 90 businesses — insurers, golf courses, hospitals, academies and funeral-service firms — and demanding 360 million won (about $250,000). Thirty-eight companies received threats that they could face customer lawsuits or fines. The ringleader, an arts major with no IT background, learned from YouTube and blogs; in about 40 days of using AI during more than a year of crimes, the group breached some 60 companies. Police also used an AI analysis system to narrow down suspects.
The most-liked comment (36): "The real boss must be the AI. The guy they caught is just the front man." Another (31): "Actual specialists know that poking around this recklessly gets you traced fast, so they don't do it." JTBC and SBS also covered the case.
