Job applicants’ data leaked on Internet

An applicant's personal information for 7-Eleven found through Google.

Case underscores need for tightened Web security

It was found that individual records of 1,281 applicants for work at "7-Eleven" chain convenience stores, operated by Lotte Group in South Korea, were searchable by other applicants via Web browser Google for more than a month. The records could be manipulated, as well.

According to information obtained by the Hankyoreh on January 22, the Internet page containing individual information of applicants to 7-Eleven in South Korea was available online from December 15 to January 19. But if anyone - applicant or not - typed in his or her residence registration number and name, he or she could browse the applicants’ records, and even download the related data, which even divided the applicants into successful and unsuccessful candidates.

The records contained candidates’ resumes, educational background, family background, and in some cases the types of licenses the applicants held.

One applicant, identified as Mr. Kim, said, "I have confirmed that by offering my residence registration number as well as my name, I was able to search the records. I am angry with the concerned company, which carelessly dealt with the individual records, but I am also angry at Google, through which the searching could be done."

A publicity officer of Google said, "The information might have been exposed due to poor security of the related Web site. We can resolve the problem within a few hours or days in such an urgent case after getting a report."

However, experts say that in connection with individual records, Internet search engines should strengthen management standards and the Ministry of Information and Communications should take stricter measures regarding such incidents.

An official of 7-Eleven said, "We have taken proper measures shortly after we received information about it on January 19. Lotte Group is stepping up the security of our Internet site."

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