KT to Waive Cancellation Fees and Invest $691M After Major Data Breach
KT Corp. announces it will waive contract cancellation fees and invest $691 million in security following a major data breach. Includes free data for users and a 5-year security roadmap.
It's a $691 million apology. South Korean telecom giant KT Corp. is waiving contract cancellation fees and launching a massive security overhaul following a severe data breach reported in September. The company's taking full responsibility for the security lapse that left thousands of users vulnerable to unauthorized payments.
KT Data Breach Settlement: Fee Waivers and Free Data
According to Yonhap, KT will allow affected customers to terminate their contracts without penalty starting this Wednesday through Jan. 13. The investigation by the Ministry of Science and ICT revealed that poor management of femtocells—small home base stations—was the Achilles' heel that let hackers in.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Loss | 243 million won ($169,000) in unauthorized payments |
| Affected Users | 22,227 individuals compromised |
| Immediate Perk | 100GB free monthly data for 6 months |
$691 Million Roadmap to Cybersecurity
CEO Kim Young-shub apologized during a press briefing on Dec. 30, announcing a 1 trillion won ($691 million) investment over the next 5 years. The plan focuses on replacing outdated equipment and adopting a Zero-Trust architecture, which requires continuous verification of every device and user on the network.
The fee waiver doesn't apply to new users who joined after Sept. 1. If you're a KT subscriber, check your enrollment date and monitor your billing statements for any unrecognized micropayments.
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