Daily Briefing is a curated listicle made available by The Readable. We select a handful of significant stories worth sharing with our readers and present them in an easy-to-read, accessible format. Dain Oh and Minkyung Shin collaborate in monitoring, selecting, and reviewing the news articles, with Arthur Gregory Willers contributing to improve the overall readability of the briefing.
1. South Korean financial consumers prioritize security over convenience in digital services, survey shows – The Readable
As digital financial services gain popularity among South Korean consumers, a new Financial Security Institute survey shows a shift in priorities, with most users now valuing security over convenience. According to the 2024 survey of 1,000 consumers ages 20 to 89, 90.6% expressed a willingness to tolerate minor inconveniences for enhanced security—a notable rise in awareness since the last survey in 2019.
The survey reveals continued high usage of digital services, with 90.8% using smartphone-based payments and 80.7% using mobile transfer services. However, security concerns still limit usage, particularly among older adults, who also cite complex processes as a barrier to adoption. For non-face-to-face transactions, 72.3% of respondents preferred stronger authentication protocols, even at the expense of convenience.
The Financial Security Institute report suggests financial institutions should prioritize security enhancements to build trust and meet evolving consumer needs. The survey also underscores the importance of tailored services, such as anti-fraud programs for older adults, and the strategic development of AI-based services focused on secure data use and consumer education to encourage adoption.
2. Over 10,000 North Korean hacking attempts targeting South Korea’s military in 2023 – South Korea’s Kukmin Ilbo
North Korea has reportedly attempted more than 10,000 cyberattacks on South Korea’s military and related agencies this year, with preemptive measures successfully preventing damages for the past five years. South Korea’s Cyber Operations Command disclosed this information during a National Assembly Intelligence Committee meeting, according to representatives Lee Seong-kweun and Park Sun-won.
The Cyber Operations Command reported that North Korea is believed to operate about 8,400 hackers under its military command and State Affairs Commission, targeting South Korean military institutions and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Among the tactics being used by the North are phishing emails and malware distribution aimed at information theft.
Cyberattacks have escalated, with more than 9,000 detected in 2022, 13,000 in 2023, and over 10,500 recorded between January and September this year alone. Despite these numbers, South Korea has successfully mitigated potential breaches through proactive defenses. The Cyber Operations Command also highlighted its readiness against cyber threats involving third-party nations, including China, Russia, and Iran, maintaining constant vigilance to protect against evolving cybersecurity risks.
3. Canada-India tensions could escalate cyber threats, hinder immigration – Reuters
The escalating diplomatic dispute between Canada and India over alleged Indian-led violence targeting Sikhs in Canada could heighten cyber espionage efforts from India, with Canada’s signals intelligence agency warning of increased cyber threats against Canadian networks.
Caroline Xavier, head of the Communications Security Establishment Canada, warned that India may amplify cyber activities as tensions rise. The issue stems from accusations that Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah orchestrated operations linked to the 2023 assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar—an allegation India denies.
Canada’s recent expulsion of Indian diplomats and reduced immigration processing capacity amid diplomatic tensions may slow immigration between the two nations. Immigration Minister Marc Miller noted that, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations, only four Canadian immigration officials remain in India, down from 27, potentially causing processing delays and reduced travel. Despite these tensions, analysts expect a limited immediate impact on trade, as both countries aim to maintain economic ties.
4. Fired Disney staffer accused of hacking menu to add profanity, wingdings, removes allergen info – The Register
Michael Scheuer, a former Disney menu production manager, has been arrested and charged under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for allegedly hacking into Disney’s systems after his termination. Following his contentious firing in June, Scheuer is accused of altering Disney’s restaurant menu database by changing fonts to illegible symbols and redirecting QR codes to websites urging boycotts. Most alarmingly, he allegedly removed allergen warnings from some menus, creating a potentially lethal risk, though Disney reportedly intercepted the altered menus before distribution.
Scheuer is also charged with launching denial-of-service (DoS) attacks against specific Disney employees and attempting to conceal his activities using VPNs and virtual machines. During a search of his home, authorities found personally identifiable information on targeted employees, including a “dox” folder containing sensitive details about these individuals and their relatives. The FBI has presented evidence linking Scheuer’s devices to the alleged cyber intrusions and damaging activities.
If convicted, Scheuer could face up to 15 years in prison. He remains in custody pending a bond hearing, and Disney has not responded regarding the ongoing case.
Editor’s note: The summaries of each article were created by ChatGPT 4o and reviewed by Dain Oh.
