In the first half of 2024, global theft of virtual assets, including bitcoin, reached 1.9 trillion won, with reported DDoS attacks and server hacks rising to 899 cases, prompting government warnings. The Ministry of Science and ICT and KISA noted a surge in hacking targeting virtual assets, with thefts from blockchain networks and exchanges soaring from 91 billion won last year to 1.9 trillion won this year. Notable thefts included 105.5 billion won from a blockchain bridge developer in January and 80 billion won from an NFT company in April. Server hacks, especially against small and medium-sized enterprises, increased by 58% to 504 cases, while spam and smishing reports also spiked significantly. Overall, cyber incidents rose from 1142 in 2022 to 1277 last year, with 899 cases reported in the first half of this year, predominantly affecting the information and communication sector. In response, the Ministry and KISA formed the National Damage Response Team and amended the 'Information and Communications Network Act,' effective August 14, to enhance incident reporting and prevention, focusing on raising security awareness and damage prevention.

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