Week 3, 2026 security incident report
Hacking and data breach incidents newly reported 2026.01.12 ~ 01.18
From January 12 to 18, 2026, the hack of Kyowon Group stood out the most in South Korea, raising concerns about the leak of data on 5.54 million customers and disrupting operations, with about 600 virtual servers affected by a ransomware attack, although the confirmed scale of the personal data leak was not disclosed. Concerns over harm to children's data related to Kumon and Red Pen and a leak of data on POSCO E&C partner-company employees showed concerns about damage extending beyond customers to children and partner companies. Across all types, personal data leaks were the most common at 43, and in South Korea, damage lawsuits over leaks, problems with outsourcing management and operational disruptions from the deletion of Newstapa's YouTube channel also emerged. Overseas, the communications and control systems of about 30 energy facilities in Poland were attacked, though there was no interruption to power generation, and large-scale personal data leaks continued in finance, healthcare and transportation, at Betterment, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and Eurail, among others.
By type
- Data breach42
- Hacking & intrusion20
- Ransomware5
- Malware1
Key incidents in South Korea
Kyowon Group Hack Causes Data Leak and Business Disruption
5.5MImpact: 5.54 million customers potentially affected; confirmed scale of personal data leak unknown
Kyowon Group was hacked in January 2026, resulting in data being leaked externally and business operations being disrupted. A ransomware attack was suspected, and the company said 5.54 million customers' personal data was potentially at risk of being leaked. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) launched an investigation, but as of January 22 the scope of the personal data leak had not been confirmed.
Related reports: 36 · last report →Lawsuit filed over hacking leak of emails and other personal data
Impact: Leak of personal information including email addresses
A lawsuit seeking damages for emotional distress was filed after personal information including email addresses was leaked through hacking. The Supreme Court ruled that even if personal information is leaked, there is no liability for statutory damages if no harm occurred, and that mere anxiety is not grounds for compensation.
Related reports: 7 · last report →Kyowon ransomware attack affects about 600 servers
5.5MImpact: About 600 virtual servers affected; 5.54 million customers at risk of information leak
Kyowon was hit by a ransomware attack on January 10, 2026, affecting about 600 virtual servers and disrupting operations at its affiliates. Kyowon reported the attack to investigative authorities and began recovery procedures, and on January 12 it confirmed signs that data had been leaked externally. Excluding duplicate subscriptions, 5.54 million customers are at risk of having their information leaked, and whether the actually leaked data includes customer information is under investigation.
Related reports: 3 · last report →Hack of POSCO E&C safety training system leaks subcontractor data
Impact: Personal information of subcontractor employees
POSCO E&C's safety training system for subcontractors was hacked, leaking the personal information of subcontractor employees. The leaked personal information was published on the dark web.
Related reports: 3 · last report →Newstapa YouTube channel deleted in hack restored after 30 hours
Impact: YouTube channel deleted; 30 hours to restore
Newstapa's YouTube channel was deleted after being hacked. The channel was restored 30 hours after it was deleted.
Read on 한국기자협회 ↗Personal data leaks to meet card sign-up quotas raise outsourcing oversight concerns
Personal data leaks and cash handouts occurred in the course of meeting credit card sign-up quotas. Concerns were raised over lax oversight by card companies that had outsourced the work.
Read on 마켓인 ↗Major South Korean company threatened by suspected ransomware attack
A major South Korean company was threatened by a suspected ransomware attack. The company's name, the scale of the damage and the specific response have not been confirmed.
Read on The Record from Recorded Future News ↗Kumon and Red Pen data leak raises concerns over children's information
A data leak involving Kumon and Red Pen occurred. Concerns were raised about whether children's information had been leaked, and the specific scale of the damage and the response measures have not been confirmed.
Read on 한경매거진 ↗
Key incidents in other countries
Destructive cyberattack targets about 30 Polish energy facilities
Impact: Attacks on communication and control systems at about 30 energy facilities; no disruption to power generation
In December 2025, a destructive cyberattack targeted about 30 energy facilities in Poland. The attackers exploited default credentials and the absence of multi-factor authentication to attack communication and control systems, but no disruption to power generation occurred. Polish authorities said they had thwarted the attack and raised the possibility of links to Russia.
Related reports: 33 · last report →Betterment third-party marketing platform breach leaks customer data
Impact: About 1.4 million unique email addresses and contact information such as names
A third-party marketing platform used by U.S. investment service Betterment was breached, leaking customer personal information, and scam messages promising to triple cryptocurrency transfers were sent. In February 2026, about 1.4 million unique email addresses and personal information were found in the leaked data. The company said it had blocked the unauthorized access and that there was no sign of access to investment accounts and no exposure of passwords or login credentials.
Related reports: 12 · last report →University of Hawaii Cancer Center ransomware leaks data of about 1.2 million
1.2MImpact: Personal information of about 1.2 million people
The University of Hawaii Cancer Center was hit by a ransomware attack and later confirmed a personal data leak. In February 2026 it announced a cyberattack that affected personal information, and in March the number of people affected was reported to be about 1.2 million.
Related reports: 8 · last report →PharMerica reaches class action settlement over data breach
A data breach at PharMerica led to a class action lawsuit. In January 2026, a federal judge preliminarily approved a settlement of about $5.2 million to $5.3 million. The timing of the incident, the scale of the breach and the attack method have not been confirmed.
Related reports: 7 · last report →Names, passport numbers of 308,777 Eurail customers leaked
308.8KImpact: Personal data of 308,777 people
A breach at Eurail in December 2025 led to the theft of customer names, passport numbers, contact details and more. DiscoverEU participants may also have had copies of ID documents, bank account reference information and health information exposed. Eurail disclosed that 308,777 people were affected, and some of the stolen data was published online or offered for sale.
Related reports: 6 · last report →