Financial authorities have launched on-site inspections on the computer systems of 16 banks and securities companies amid concerns of North Korean cyber attacks.
 
The Financial Supervisory Service(FSS) began the inspections on Tuesday to check the readiness of private financial firms against North Korean cyber and hacking attacks.
 
The inspections are focusing on whether such firms have appropriately implemented measures for blocking the infection of malware and whether they have maintained the latest version of vaccine programs and blocked access to dangerous Web sites.
 
The FSS and the Financial Services Commission(FSC) had sent letters last Friday to all financial institutes, including banks, securities firms and insurance companies, urging them to internally review their preparedness for possible cyber attacks.
 
The firms are required to carry out internal inspections and report to financial authorities if any problems are detected.