[The Hankyoreh, September 8 2008] S. Korea’s resident registration system leads to increase in information leaks

Companies have been aggressive in collecting the numbers, but not always vigilant about keeping it safe

“We are significantly reinforcing security on computer servers containing personal information. However, we always feel uneasy about having subscribers’ personal data.”

An official at an Internet company, who made the remark, said he is concerned about massive leaks of customer data such as the one at GS Caltex. On September 7, police arrested four suspects on charges of leaking the personal information of more than 11 million GS Caltex customers. The suspects were known to have first reported the massive data leak to the press, a move aimed at increasing the value of the information.