S. Korean Telecoms in Race for 5G-based Security Service

SEOUL, Mar. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean telecom companies have released their new security management solutions as the country gets ready to begin 5G services that boast higher network efficiency and potential to offer high-value differentiated services.

Local carriers are stepping up promotion for their new security services as they are set to launch 5G commercial operation in time for the Apr. 5 release of Samsung Electronics Co.’s Galaxy S10′s 5G model.

After spending years facing challenges in managing heavy data traffic and protecting network infrastructure, industry players are now underpinning the next-generation security solutions based on the new cellular technology.

SK Telecom Co., the nation’s top mobile carrier, said it will apply quantum cryptography technology in its 5G network to ensure the highest level of security for users.

Quantum-safe technology encrypts transmitted data using special quantum keys, which is known to prevent interception or theft, minimizing the various risks caused by hackers.

SK Telecom said it will apply the quantum random number generator on its 5G network and expand its use in the existing LTE network next month.

“As security has become a more important factor in the 5G era, we will develop advanced quantum cryptography technology to expand the ecosystem,” Park Jin-hyo, SKT’s chief technology officer, said.

In February 2018, SK Telecom bought half of Swiss-based quantum key solution provider ID Quantique to bolster security for its 5G system. In July, the carrier also applied its quantum-safe system for German telecom giant Deutsche Telekom’s trial network.

KT Corp. promised to improve the security of its 5G commercial network, which will be available in 85 South Korean cities by the end of this year.

On Tuesday, the telecom giant introduced new technologies, such as GiGA Stealth and network slicing, to its 5G network.

GiGA Stealth technology is designed to block cyber attacks on internet of things (IoT) devices, and the network slicing technology enables a network operator to provide dedicated virtual networks over a common network infrastructure.

“As various services, including IT, augmented and virtual reality, will coexist on the 5G network, (KT) developed the GiGA Stealth technology to strengthen security of these important services,” Lee Sun-woo, senior vice president at KT Infra Laboratory, said in a press briefing.

KT is also working with local companies to integrate its 5G network with a voice-controlled drone enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) to better monitor major infrastructure.

Earlier this month, KT signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean drone developer Woori Aviation Co. voice recognition solution start-up Syncspace and the state-run Korea Southern Power Co. (KOSPO) to jointly develop the smart drone.

LG Uplus Corp. the nation’s No. 3 carrier, said it will collaborate with local security company S1 to develop 5G-powered CCTV service.

The CCT service will be able to analyze ultra high-definition images in real-time, which can be used to carry out surveillance of public spaces and crowded areas to prevent crimes.

Last week, LG Uplus launched “U+ Cloud Security” based on network functions virtualization (NFV) cloud for enterprise clients.

Using the NFV cloud service, enterprises can install servers and software in the data center rather than buying and installing specialized hardware for security of offices and branches.

“As the global enterprise cloud market is expanding, demand for security services optimized for this environment is steadily growing as well,” Suh Jae-yong, vice president of LG Uplus’ Enterprise 5G Business Unit, said. “LG Uplus’ new cloud security service is based on Asia’s largest internet data center, which will be able to provide more stable and economical enterprise security services.”

(Yonhap)