[The Chosun Ilbo, December 26 2007] Hackers Target Korean, Japanese Gamers

Korean and Japanese Internet companies are under attack by hackers who are using malicious codes to steal the personal information of Internet users.

AhnLab, a security software company, said Monday that a study of ten security threats in 2007 revealed a growing number of hacking incidents affecting Internet game sites. The hackers pilfer users' personal information to steal virtual goods to trade for money.

"There is a 'cyber black market' where virtual valuables like game items are exchanged for cash," a company staffer said. "Because game users' IDs, credit card numbers and other personal information are frequently traded in this cyber black market, the problem is getting bigger."