SEOUL, KOREA- Cyber terror is the new battlefront likened to a potential nuclear conflict; a minor outbreak threatens everyone.
We know that ever more of our daily lives revolve around a digital world on the Internet, our computers and our cell phones. Are those who sell digital services taking steps to protect against cyber attacks Korea IT Times interviews Dr. Kim HongSun, CEO of AhnLab, to provide a global security solution. AhnLab's focus remains unchanged, to provide products and services of unparalleled quality and accommodate a wide variety of needs in the dynamic IT environment.
Question: This year marks the 25th anniversary of AhnLab V3. We heard that a new V3 line up featuring reinforced security functions has been released. Could you tell us about the latest V3 line up’s new features
Answer: Amid well-organized security threats, such as advanced persistent threats (APT), raging on, AhnLab take advantages of its world-class software technologies to offer excellent solutions, security consultations, security operation services and multi-dimensional solutions to latest security threats. In order to protect personal computers, networks and mobile devices from malicious codes’ indiscriminate, multi-pronged attacks, AhnLab, as an R&D-centered (research and development) company, provides omnidirectional consolidated security systems.
Thus, AhnLab’s effective malware-combating technologies have been built into its network security solutions (e.g. TrusGuard, TrusGuard DPX), mobile security solution “V3 Mobile” and online game security solution “HackShield,” as well as V3 solutions. Such key technologies are also on board our new solutions like security solutions for manufacturing facilities (e.g. TrusLine), network separation solution “TrusZone” and anti-APT solution “TrusWatcher.”
Above all, the technological prowess of our longest-running software “V3,” which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year,has been internationally recognized:it has under its belt numerous international anti-malware certifications–for instance,ICSA certification,Check Mark,a VB 100% Award and AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.
A new multi-dimensional analysis platform has been recently introduced to strengthen V3’s anti-malware capability. Building on the existing cloud-based technology “AhnLab Smart Defense,” behavior diagnosis-based technology and cloud-based opinion mining technology have been newly adopted to improve malware analysis, responses, detection, and diagnosis. AhnLab put a high premium on mounting preemptive responses to the influx of malicious codes that are getting slier day by day.
Also, functions to prevent users accessing malware-infected websites, or phishing sites, and a network security function that detects and blocks abnormal or excessive traffic have been added. Besides, the engine volume of a new V3 lineup has been reduced to 30% of the previous versions, thereby reducing its load on PCs’ systems and making the scanning time 10 times faster than before.
Newly upgraded solutions with a new platform on board include V3 Lite (a free vaccine for individual users), V3 365 Clinic (a total PC security management solution for individuals), V3 MSS (a consolidated PC security solution for SMEs), V3 Internet Security 9.0 (a security solution for businesses), and server vaccine “V3 Net 9.0.”
Our brand-new product, one that adds a new platform, is “Security 9.0,” an integrated security management solution for businesses which comes with a media control function. When Security 9.0 is used side by side with unified central management solution “AhnLab Policy Center,” all the access to various media, such as USBs, Bluetooth, CD/DVD drives and smart readers can be controlled at the center, therefore enabling more far-reaching security management.
Q: New variants of cyber crimes exploiting smartphone apps have been on the upswing. What is AhnLab’s solution to mobile security threats Will installing V3 Mobile 2.0 suffice What kinds of responses can be made in case of cyber crimes
A: V3 Mobile 2.0, a vaccine for mobile devices, detects and eliminates various kinds of malicious apps on Android-based smartphones. Bearing varied international certifications, V3 Mobile 2.0 is faster in detection and lower in installation size, memory use and CPU usage than its rivaling solutions.
It has continued to have great reviews from security solution evaluators like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. Notably, it came out on top in malicious code detection in AV-Comparative’s performance evaluation conducted in August. V3 Mobile 2.0 is a basic addition to Samsung Galaxy smartphones and LG Optimus smartphones in korea region only.
AhnLab plans to offer another free vaccine in response to a spike in smishing (SMS phishing)aimed to steal users’ financial information or strip users of money through mobile transactions.
Users are advised not to click on URLs contained in spam text messages. In cases when users do download suspicious files or click on a link included in text messages, they should immediately activate the latest version of security software (e.g. V3 Mobile) to detect any malicious code. Furthermore, users should refrain from storing their personal information, such as ID and passwords, and financial information in their smartphones.
Q: We’ve heard 50% of AhnLab’s workforce is R&D personnel. As such, AhnLab has heavily invested in obtaining key technologies. Could you elaborate on your patented security technologies
A: AhnLab has filed over 200 patent applications in South Korea, 150 of which resulted in actual patents. On the overseas front, AhnLab filed nearly 60 PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) patent applications. AhnLab is definitely the leader in patent ownership in the domestic market.
Newly patented technologies were applied to the new V3 lineup. Also, we patented a technology that checks whether non-exe files (e.g. document files) are infected with malicious codes through dynamic content-based analyses, not behavior-based analyses. This technology has been introduced to AhnLab MDS (Malware Defense System), which is domestically marketed as TrusWatcher. AhnLab has also obtained patents on technologies needed for detecting new variants of malicious codes and for blocking spam text messages and unwanted calls.
AhnLab’s R&D-oriented corporate culture has translated into having nearly 50% of its workforce dedicated to researches and over 20% of annual sales poured back into R&D projects.
We are also running “iQ,” a program designed to nurture small ideas into official projects. And we make sure developers of patented technologies get duly rewarded.
Q: AhnLab last year became the first to break the KRW 100 billion mark in sales in the domestic software market. AhnLab is unequivocally the No.1 in the domestic software industry, but other small- and medium-sized IT companies are on shaky ground. What is AhnLab’s suggestion for making a breakthrough in such market conditions
A: Shared growth between large companies and SMEs has always been a hot-button issue. As I mentioned in my book titled “Who’s Next,” there is a limit to job creation by large companies. Growth in the number of profit-making SMEs can also revive consumption. The roles of SMEs in securing competencies in software and contents are important especially in the IT industry.
Discussions on shared growth between large companies and SMEs should begin with acknowledging the other side’s roles and finding their bearings. Each side’s strengths should be maximized in horizontal relationships to achieveharmonious coexistence between SMEs and large companies.
Large companies, armed with well-organized systems, bet big on large markets and are strong at comprehensive management based on accumulated experiences while SMEs are good at jumping at new adventurous projects and swiftly creating a business model based on innovative ideas and passion. Large companies packed with ample resources compete with global household names while SMEs distinguish themselves from others with brilliant ideas and technologies. Thus, M&As or business tie-ups are needed to create synergy from the combination of SMEs’ creative ideas and products with large companies’ vast distribution networks and service systems.
Q: AhnLab is poised to take on the US market. Could you tell us about the current status of AhnLab’s overseas business and its global competitiveness
A: AhnLab’s global market strategy revolves around releasing localized strategic security solutions and services that meet each market’s specific needs.
In May of this year, we set up AhnLab USA in Silicon Valley. Bearing in mind that the US market has a great interest in APT, we seek to project AhnLab as a provider of anti-APT total solutions by putting forward AhnLab MDS.
AhnLab MDS beat its rivals developed by global software titans, scoring 94.7% in prevention of information leaks and detection rates in the Breach Detection System Product Analysis, conducted in July by NSS Labs (an independent, information security research and testing organization). In February of this year, it also won a bronze award in the “new product launch” category at the Info Security's Global Excellence Awards.
In mobile powerhouse Japan, AhnLab is keen on marketing mobile security solutions and services. In manufacturing powerhouse China, AhnLab is focused on production line security and network security solutions. In Europe and Southeast Asia they are highly interested in online services and online games, AhnLab is committed to online security and game security solutions.
Q: Where do you think the domestic market stands in the global cyber security market where it should be headed
A: We are living in a heavily wired world. As different devices are increasingly interconnected via networks, their vulnerability to hacking attempts grows on a daily basis.
The worldwide cyber security market has continued to expand over the past 20 years. US market researcher Strategic Defense Intelligence predicts that the worldwide cyber security market would grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% over the next decade to hit USD 19.4 billion in 2023. This market definitely has a huge potential for growth.
According to Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), the domestic cyber security market is valued at KRW 5.8 trillion, up 10.6% from the year before. The market is projected to expand rapidly in the years to come.
Accordingly, the Korean government seems set to foster the cyber security industry. The key to promoting the cyber security market is intensive investment in manpower. Korea still lacks the human resources needed for system management, fights against hackers, and system development. Government-level, full-blown support and investment are badly needed in producing software talent and professional security officers.
