On April 2nd, in commemoration of ‘Cybercrime Prevention Day,’ the National Police Agency has commenced extensive publicity and intensive crackdowns on major cybercrimes such as cyber fraud, financial crimes, sexual violence, and gambling.
‘Cybercrime Prevention Day’ was designated on April 2nd each year since 2015 to raise awareness of the dangers of cyberspace and the importance of prevention. The date was chosen by taking the ‘4’ from ‘Cyber’ and the ‘2’ from ‘Prevention’ in Korean. This year, the National Police Agency is also focusing on improving public awareness and preventing damage from cybercrimes.
This campaign will be conducted both online and offline. Prevention tips will be displayed in banner ads on major online platforms like Naver, Netmarble, and Nexon, and related details will be available on the National Police Agency’s website. Card news and video promotions will also be presented on major city screens like those at Seoul Station and Seodaemun Station intersections, and at bus stops. Regional police agencies will carry out autonomous promotions in their areas.
There will also be cooperation with civilian forces. The Cyber Honor Police ‘NuriCops’ is engaging in reporting, removal, and blocking requests for illegal and harmful information. As of 2024, 769 members are active, and additional personnel are being recruited this year. The Cybercrime Prevention Instructors, consisting of police officers, will visit schools and companies to conduct practical educational activities.
The police have also started intensive crackdowns on cybercrime. From March 24 to October 31, cyber fraud will be under scrutiny, focusing on crimes that infringe upon civil life, while financial crimes such as text message payment fraud (smishing) and pharming will be handled by specialized investigative teams in provincial police agencies. They plan to arrest not only ordinary participants but also the masterminds.
The crackdown on cyber sexual violence began in March, aiming to simultaneously block the supply and demand by cutting off the distribution channels for exploitative content. Cyber gambling is being investigated from November last year to October this year, focusing on operators, recruiters, and advertisers.
The National Police Agency is actively promoting cybercrime prevention tips to the public. These include avoiding clicking on unclear internet links, changing account passwords regularly, keeping antivirus programs updated, and changing default passwords on IoT devices. To prevent internet fraud, using the National Police Agency’s phone and account number inquiry service and encouraging face-to-face transactions are recommended.
An official from the National Police Agency stated that cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated and crimes targeting ordinary citizens are rapidly increasing. There is an analysis that the proliferation of information technology devices like smartphones and IoT is expanding exposure to crime. Therefore, the police are focusing on enhancing response capabilities through technical security measures, preventive education, and public-private cooperation.