North Korean hackers tried to steal Pfizer vaccine data: South Korean lawmaker

The news comes after attempts last year by suspected North Korean hackers to break into the systems of health care firms such as Novavax Inc and AstraZeneca

North Korea is often accused of turning to an army of hackers to fill its cash-strapped coffers amid international sanctions

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Health experts have said the North’s hackers may be more interested in selling the stolen data than using it to develop a home-grown vaccine. Photo: AP

Published: 7:08pm, 16 Feb 2021Updated: 7:08pm, 16 Feb 2021

South Korea’s intelligence agency has said North Korea attempted to steal information on coronavirus vaccines and treatments by hacking Pfizer Inc, a lawmaker briefed by the agency said on Tuesday.

Digital espionage targeting health bodies, vaccine scientists and drug makers has surged during the Covid-19 pandemic as state-backed hacking groups scramble to secure the latest research and information about the outbreak.

Ha Tae-keung, an opposition member of the parliamentary intelligence panel, said the pharmaceutical giant was among those hacked in the bid to steal information on vaccines and treatments.

“There were attempts to steal Covid vaccine and treatment technology during cyberattacks and Pfizer was hacked,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing by the agency, Ha did not elaborate on the timing or success of the attempt, a transcript of his remarks reviewed by Reuters showed.

Ha’s office confirmed his comments but gave no details.