TOKYO A data breach involving the parent companies of Japan's most popular messaging app Line and South Korea's most used search engine Naver threatens to reverse a thaw in relations between the two East Asian neighbours.
A spate of leaks of over 500,000 user records at LY Corp, which runs Line and Yahoo Japan, from November 2023 to February 2024, had prompted Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to issue "administrative guidance".
This is as per protocol, and the ministry has issued similar or stronger advisories over breaches involving other companies.
But the data breach involving mainly user records of Line which is also popular in Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia - has an added diplomatic dimension, having been traced to security lapses in South Korea.
LY's majority stakeholder is A Holdings, a 50-50 joint venture between Japan's SoftBank Group and South Korea's Naver Corp.
LY has a stake in PayPay, one of Japan's top mobile payment services. LY's services are used by 320 million people at home and abroad, according to company data.
Line is used not just for private chats in Japan, but also by companies and public entities.
Line shares its system authentication infrastructure with Naver, which meant Line user data could be accessed from South Korea.
Among other things, Tokyo blamed the cyberleaks on Line's "strong dependence on Naver in terms of systems and network configuration", as it urged a review of how data is managed to prevent unauthorised access.
"This relationship has also made it difficult for (LY) to demand appropriate safety measures from Naver and to implement proper management of outsourced parties," the MIC added, suggesting steps such as a "review of capital relationship".
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin May 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin May 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
US weighs breakup of Google in landmark online search case
WASHINGTON – The United States said on Oct 8 that it may ask a judge to force Alphabet's Google to divest parts of its business, such as its Chrome browser and Android operating system, that it noted are used to maintain an illegal monopoly in online search.
Home-grown CRU will close last fitness studio on Nov 10
Refunds will be addressed once moving-out process is finalised, says staff member
Oil slides on possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel
HOUSTON – Oil prices slid on Oct 8, settling down more than 4 per cent on news of a possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, although prices found some support on fears of a potential attack on Iranian oil infrastructure.
HBO documentary suggests Peter Todd is creator of Bitcoin
PORTLAND, Oregon - A new HBO documentary about the origins of Bitcoin suggests that Mr Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of the original cryptocurrency, is likely Canadian software developer Peter Todd.
China's finance minister to hold briefing, raising stimulus hopes
He is expected to launch moves to shore up growth, strengthen fiscal policy on Oct 12
More travel during China's Golden Week, but spending still lags
BEIJING - Chinese tourists shelled out less money during their long holiday that ended on Oct 7 than before the Covid-19 pandemic, even as signs emerged that spending is stabilizing after a recent barrage of stimulus measures unveiled by the government.
Wall Street gains lift investors here with S'pore stocks up 0.6%
● SGX is STI's biggest gainer, rising 1.8% to $11.61 ● Local banks end higher; regional indexes mixed ● S&P 500 up 1%; Nasdaq adds 1.4%; Dow Jones rises 0.3%
46 schools to get new principals – 22 taking on role for first time
Forty-six schools will receive new principals at the start of the school year in 2025, as part of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) annual reshuffle exercise.
Board members of statutory boards get reminder on gift rules
Board members of statutory boards have been sent a letter by the Public Service Division (PSD) to make clear the circumstances under which they could be considered public servants under the law.
Body of hiker who fell off cliff in Everest region brought back
The body of Mr Harry Tan Eng Kwang, who died after he slipped and fell while hiking in the Everest region of Nepal about two weeks ago, arrived in Singapore on Oct 9. His family is holding a three-day wake at The Garden of Remembrance in Old Choa Chu Kang Road and the cremation will be held on Oct 12.
